From 1 April 2026, designated app stores in Singapore are required to implement age assurance measures to prevent young users under 18 from accessing and downloading age-inappropriate apps.

The designated app stores, also known as App Distribution Services (ADSs) include the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Huawei AppGallery, Microsoft Store, and Samsung Galaxy Store.

What are Age Assurance Measures?

Age assurance measures are steps taken by a designated app store to determine the age or age range of its users, ensuring that children and young users under 18 cannot access or download age-inappropriate apps, based on age ratings set by the designated app stores.

App stores are key gateways to accessing apps on our digital devices and are marketplaces for online content. The high level of digital penetration and use of online services among young users, including children, means an increased risk of their exposure to age-inappropriate apps. Age assurance measures are put in place to better protect young users from inappropriate and harmful content such as sexual and violent material, and content linked to self-harm and cyberbullying.

How are Apps Rated?

Each designated app stores uses its own rating system to classify whether an app is suitable for children, teens or adults. These ratings are set by app developers through questionnaires and then assigned by the app stores or an independent body. This means that the same app may carry different age ratings across different app stores.

Ratings are typically based on factors such as sexual content, violence, alcohol and drug use references, use of gambling or simulated gambling and features like in-app chat. For more details on how apps are rated, please refer to the following links: Apple, Google, Huawei, Microsoft, Samsung.

Age Assurance Measures and What It Means for You

For Parents

For Youths and Children under 18

For Adults

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