Age Verification Measures according to IMDA
Mar 31, 2026
“Google, which was the first to detail its age assurance plans in October 2025, said it is already analysing search terms and content viewed online, among other signals, to estimate every account holder’s age.
The company’s age assurance measures will be fully rolled out to all Singaporeans by March 31, Mr Clement Cher, Google’s head of government affairs for Singapore, told The Straits Times on March 27.
Age assurance checks require users to have a Google account, so its machine learning technologies can analyse usage behaviour associated with the account.
By March 31, Google’s age estimation tech will also be used to provide additional protections on other services it runs.
On YouTube, for instance, all users below 18 with a Google account will be sent reminders to take a break, and be restricted from repetitively viewing certain content, such as those idealising specific fitness levels or body weights, or promoting social aggression.
An automatic filter that blocks explicit and potentially offensive content – including nudity, graphic violence and gore – will be turned on by default on Google Search.
On Google Maps, the Timeline feature, which creates a personal map of routes taken, will be disabled to limit collection of data on all users below 18 with a Google account. On Gemini, those below 18 will not be able to create images with the AI assistant, and responses given are also fact-checked to flag conflicting or inaccurate information, with sources cited.
“We will keep investing in ways to strengthen safeguards, support parents, and give young users age-appropriate experiences across our platforms,” said Mr Cher.
Samsung started rolling out its age assurance measures on March 27 to protect younger users, said a spokesperson in response to queries from The Straits Times.
Its Galaxy Store now prompts users to link a credit card to their accounts to complete the age verification process.
Once the verification is complete, users can unlink their cards from their accounts. Those who already have an existing card on file do not need to re-enter their card details, said Samsung on its website.
In Singapore, principal credit card holders need to be at least 21 years old, although individuals who are at least 18 years old can be issued supplementary credit cards tied to a parent’s or guardian’s credit card, or student credit cards with parental consent.
Similarly, from April 1, Huawei will screen users of its AppGallery by requiring them to link a credit card to their accounts for verification.
“As this is currently the only age-verification method available, users are encouraged to complete the necessary steps in advance to ensure a smooth experience when accessing Huawei AppGallery services,” said the company on its website.”
Do you think that monitoring account activity could be considered too intrusive for age verification purposes?
