S'pore app stores to screen out under-18 users via Singpass, facial scanning, credit cards

Singapore is implementing a variety of measures, including facial scans, Singpass identity verification, and credit card authentication on app stores to curb users under 18 years old from being exposed to inappropriate content.

App stores are racing to meet the Mar. 31 deadline for the Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services (ADSs) set by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

From Apr. 1, app stores must screen out underage users from downloading harmful content, such as that with sexual content or dating services.

The code applies ADSs with significant reach or impact, namely the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Huawei AppGallery, Microsoft Store and Samsung Galaxy Store.

Google, Youtube, Gemini

In October 2025, Google was the first ADSs to specify its plans.

On Feb. 2, 2026, the company rolled out a machine learning model to estimate users’ ages based on signals, such as search activities and the YouTube video categories watched, reported The Straits Times (ST).

Clement Cher, Google’s head of government affairs for Singapore, told ST on Mar. 27 that their age assurance measures will be fully implemented for all Singaporeans by the deadline.

Google accounts are required for age assurance checks so that the technology can analyse usage behaviour.

YouTube users below 18 with a Google account will be reminded to take breaks and restricted from certain content, such as that idealising specific body weights or promoting social aggression.

A default filter on Google Search blocks explicit or offensive content such as nudity, graphic violence and gore.

For underage users, Google Maps' timeline feature will be disabled, and Gemini will not allow them to generate images.

Responses will also be fact-checked to flag conflicting or inaccurate information.

Samsung & Huawei to require linked credit card

Samsung told Mothership that they started rolling out age assurance measures on Mar. 27.

A Samsung spokesperson said, "This is in line with IMDA’s guidelines to ensure younger users are protected and are only able to access content appropriate for their age".

The Samsung Galaxy Store will prompt users to link their credit card to their accounts for verification; accounts with an existing card on file do not have to re-enter their details.

Users can unlink their cards once verification is completed.

Huawei's AppGallery will also screen users through the linking of a credit card. Principal credit card holders in Singapore must be at least 21 years old.

Supplementary or student credit cards tied to a parent or guardian are only available for those above 18 years old.

Apple, Microsoft & Xbox

Apple's age assurance measures for Singapore users will be similar to those in South Korea and the UK.

This includes letting account users link their credit cards or scanning government-issued identification or a driver's license.

Apple's website stated that the information would not "be stored unless you choose to save them for other purposes, such as adding a payment method to your account".

On the Microsoft Store and Xbox stores, a one-time verification on their accounts is required for the download of content rated 18+.

This was announced on Microsoft's website on Mar. 17.

Users can use Singapore’s e-identity system Singpass, or upload an image of their government-issued identification, such as the NRIC, passport or simply take a selfie.

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Top photo from Mika Baumeister/Unsplash