Google will roll out age assurance solutions across its products in Singapore in the first quarter of 2026, the company announced on Friday, 3 October.

The feature, unveiled at the Safer with Google event attended by Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam, is designed to help distinguish between younger users and adults and provide age-appropriate online experiences for those below 18 years old.

Parental concerns and government support

The move comes amid rising parental concerns. A survey conducted by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) found that parents remain worried about online risks faced by children, such as exposure to inappropriate content, and have called for stronger support in managing their children’s online activities.

Madam Rahayu said: “Our children are growing up in a world where technology shapes the way they see and experience their surroundings. I am encouraged by Google’s commitment to introducing solutions such as age assurance technology, which will be useful in helping our children harness the benefits of technology confidently and safely.”

How age assurance works

Google’s approach combines age estimation and age verification.

Age estimation relies on a machine learning model that analyses signals already linked to a user’s account, such as search behaviour or video categories watched on YouTube. If estimated to be under 18, safeguards will be automatically applied.

Age verification allows adults incorrectly flagged as minors to confirm their age, such as by uploading a government-issued ID or a selfie.

For users estimated to be under 18, Google products will be adjusted to include:

• Maps: Timeline disabled.
• Google Play: Restricted access to adult-only apps.
• Search: SafeSearch filter turned on by default.
• YouTube: Digital Wellbeing tools enabled, bedtime reminders activated, and safeguards added to content recommendations.

Ben King, Managing Director of Google Singapore, said: “Keeping kids and teens safe online is mission-critical. Our age assurance technology will estimate a user’s age and automatically apply safeguards – from preventing access to adult-only apps to activating wellbeing tools.”

Complementing existing family tools

The rollout builds on Google’s existing family safety features, such as:

• Family Link, which allows parents to manage children’s accounts and set screen time limits.
• Supervised experiences on YouTube, offering content settings and restricted features.
• Be Internet Awesome, an online resource to help children become safer digital explorers.

YouTube Creators for Impact

Google also announced the fourth edition of its YouTube Creators for Impact programme in Singapore. The initiative will involve six local creators producing content to raise awareness of online harms such as cyberbullying and harassment.

The selected “Impact Creators” – including Alderic, Avi Dixit, Jamie Lim Yin Yin, Lingyi from Wah!Banana, Mathilda Huang, and Ryan from Overkill Singapore – will undergo training sessions before releasing content aimed at empowering young people with knowledge and resources.Google said age assurance solutions will be rolled out in Singapore starting early 2026, with gradual implementation across its platforms. The company added that it will continue working with governments, non-governmental organisations and parents to strengthen online protections for children and teenagers.

Google said age assurance solutions will be rolled out in Singapore starting early 2026, with gradual implementation across its platforms. The company added that it will continue working with governments, non-governmental organisations and parents to strengthen online protections for children and teenagers.