Country profile

Singapore age-verification & online ID laws

In effect IMDA Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services effective Apr 1, 2026

Laws & bills on record

App store

In effect

Bill / statute: IMDA Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services
Status: Active law in effect
Effective: Apr 1, 2026
Intrusiveness: High -- Broad reach: low or no content threshold, device/OS-level, or bundled with other verification.

Issued by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) under Section 45L of the Broadcasting Act 1994, the Code took effect March 31, 2025; from April 1, 2026 designated app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play, Huawei AppGallery, Microsoft Store, Samsung Galaxy Store) must use age assurance -- facial-age estimation, digital ID or credit-card checks -- to keep users estimated to be under 18 from downloading age-inappropriate apps. Non-compliance can draw fines up to SGD 1 million.

Timeline

Mar 31, 2025Scheduled
Mar 31, 2025Code of Practice takes effect
Apr 1, 2026In effect
Apr 1, 2026Age-assurance requirement begins for designated app stores

Source: twobirds.com

Frequently asked questions

Does Singapore require age verification in app stores?

Yes. IMDA Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services is in effect, effective Apr 1, 2026. Issued by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) under Section 45L of the Broadcasting Act 1994, the Code took effect March 31, 2025; from April 1, 2026 designated app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play, Huawei AppGallery, Microsoft Stor...

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