App stores reveal age verification, estimation methods to meet Singapore requirements

The first compliance deadline for Singapore’s new rules requiring app stores use age assurance to prevent people under 18 years old from downloading certain apps took effect on Tuesday.

The regulation is overseen by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

A factsheet on age assurance accompanying the IMDA’s Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services specifies that AI estimations or biometric facial age estimation can be used, along with age verification through digital ID or credit card data. It does not specifically mention matches to government-issued ID documents, but these are allowed.

The Code was introduced by the IMDA at the beginning of 2025, and mandates age controls on downloading apps for dating services or pornography

So far, the Microsoft and Xbox stores give users a choice between facial age estimation, Singpass or a government ID scan to confirm their age eligibility, according to The Straits Times.

The Apple App Store offers age assurance through credit card data or government IDs. The Samsung Galaxy Store and Huawei AppGallery only accept credit card data. Google Play only uses account activity analysis by default, though in cases of incorrect age estimations, the user can resort to a fall-back, matching selfie biometrics to an ID or submitting credit card data.

The IMDA is also considering restricting access to social media after releasing an Online Safety Assessment Report last year.

Apple uses MNO data in South Korea

Apple is expanding its age verification to South Korea to prevent children under 19 years old from downloading or streaming mature content.

The system relies on the age data held by mobile network operators MNOs), and requires the user to enter their “name exactly as it appears on your mobile carrier account” and respond to an SMS message to complete age verification.

“Before you download or stream a song, album, show, video, or game that contains mature content, you’ll be asked to verify your age,” Apple says in its announcement.

Apple also offers a Declared Age Range API, for which it released a beta update in February, to provide an alternative way to meet app store requirements without age assurance methods involving biometrics.

Article Topics

age verification  |  Apple  |  biometrics  |  Declared Age Range  |  digital ID  |  facial age estimation (FAE)  |  mobile app  |  regulation  |  Singapore  |  South Korea