Google to launch age assurance in Singapore by early 2026
Google has announced plans to introduce age assurance solutions across its products in Singapore in the first quarter of 2026.
The move is part of efforts to deliver a safer digital environment for children and teenagers amid growing concerns from parents and policymakers about online risks faced by young people. Recent findings from a Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) survey highlighted parents' worries regarding potential harms their children may encounter online, including exposure to inappropriate content, and called for additional tools and support to manage children's online activities.
Age assurance technology
According to Google, the upcoming age assurance solutions will build upon its existing measures by leveraging a machine learning model to estimate users' ages through a combination of signals already associated with their accounts. Children and teens who are estimated to be under 18 will have certain protective settings automatically applied to their accounts across products such as Google Maps, Play, Search, and YouTube.
On Google Maps, the Timeline feature will be disabled. Google Play will restrict minors from accessing apps limited to adults. In Search, the SafeSearch Filter will be enabled by default for users estimated to be under 18. On YouTube, digital wellbeing reminders, such as prompts to take breaks and reminders about bedtime, will be turned on. Additional safeguards will also be applied to content recommendations, including limiting repetitive viewing of certain types of content.
Notification and controls
When Google's age assurance technology estimates a user to be under 18, they will be notified by email and informed as they use different Google services. The notifications will explain that their settings have changed and provide instructions on how to confirm their age if desired. Adults incorrectly identified as minors will have the option to correct their age, for instance by uploading a government-issued identification document or a selfie.
Describing how the system works, Google explained that its age estimation model considers various behavioural signals such as search queries and the categories of YouTube videos watched. If an age estimate is incorrect, the additional verification process will allow users to confirm their actual age.
"Our children are growing up in a world where technology shapes the way they see and experience their surroundings. To help them stay safe online, our society, including the government, educators, industry, community organisations and families, must work together. I am encouraged by Google's commitment to introducing solutions, such as age assurance technology across its products, which will be useful in helping our children harness the benefits of technology confidently and safely," said Madam Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information.
Ben King, Managing Director of Google Singapore, commented on the importance of the new safeguards, stating:
"Keeping kids and teens safe online is mission-critical. To further equip parents in this journey, we're adding more proactive, built-in protections to complement the robust parental tools families already use. Our age assurance technology will estimate a user's age and apply age-appropriate safeguards - from preventing access to adult-only apps to activating digital wellbeing tools. This isn't just about giving parents more tools, it's about our systems automatically providing an added layer of protection to ensure that every young person has age-appropriate experiences."
King also highlighted the broader approach Google is taking to online safety by working with various stakeholders.
"We are committed to a collaborative approach, working with parents, governments, and NGOs, to ensure young people have both protection and access to the knowledge and tools they need to thrive," he added.
These changes will build on Google's existing suite of parental and youth-focused safety features, including Family Link for parental controls, supervised experiences on YouTube, and the Be Internet Awesome resources aimed at helping parents equip their children with digital literacy and safety skills.
YouTube campaign
Ahead of the age assurance rollout, Google also unveiled the fourth edition of YouTube Creators for Impact in Singapore. This initiative is designed to raise awareness about online harms and provide support resources for youths. This year's campaign features six "Impact Creators"-Alderic, Avi Dixit, Jamie Lim Yin Yin, Lingyi from Wah!Banana, Mathilda Huang, and Ryan from Overkill Singapore-who will produce content addressing online risks such as cyberbullying and harassment.
Participants in the programme will attend expert-led workshops and discussions on digital safety issues before publishing content across their platforms. The campaign aims to offer accessible digital resources and support for young people navigating online challenges.
Google's introduction of age assurance solutions, in tandem with continued educational efforts, reflects a broader industry and government push to ensure that younger users have the protections necessary for safe and positive digital experiences.
