Google to roll out age assurance across Singapore in early 2026
Tech giant Google has confirmed plans to introduce age assurance solutions across its products in Singapore in the first quarter of 2026. The initiative aims to create a safer digital environment for children and teenagers amid rising concerns from parents and policymakers about online harms. The announcement follows findings from a Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) survey that highlighted parental worries about exposure to inappropriate content and the need for additional tools to manage young users’ online activities.
How the age assurance system will work
Google says the impending age assurance technology will build on existing safety measures. It will use a machine learning model that estimates users’ ages by analyzing signals tied to their accounts. If a user is estimated to be under 18, automatic protective settings will be applied across Google Maps, Play, Search, and YouTube.
Specific adjustments include:
– Google Maps: the Timeline feature will be disabled for younger users.
– Google Play: minors will be restricted from accessing apps that are intended for adults.
– Google Search: SafeSearch will be enabled by default for users estimated to be under 18.
– YouTube: digital wellbeing reminders—such as prompts to take breaks and bedtime reminders—will be activated. Content recommendations will also be adjusted to limit repetitive viewing of certain content.
Notifications and user controls
When the system estimates a user is under 18, the user and their guardians will receive an email notification and ongoing prompts will appear as they use Google services. The notices will explain the setting changes and offer instructions on how to verify or adjust age if needed. If an adult is mistakenly identified as a minor, there will be an option to correct the age, including potential verification steps such as uploading government-issued ID or a selfie.
How age is estimated and what happens if it’s wrong
Google describes the model as evaluating multiple behavioural signals—ranging from search queries to the kinds of YouTube videos viewed—to arrive at an age estimate. If the result is inaccurate, the verification pathway enables users to confirm their true age, ensuring access to age-appropriate features remains intact while safeguarding younger users.
Statements from leaders and the broader safety plan
“Our children are growing up in a world shaped by technology, and to help them stay safe online, we must work together—government, educators, families, industry, and communities,” said a government representative. Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Madam Rahayu Mahzam, welcomed Google’s approach, calling it a meaningful step toward age-appropriate protections.
Ben King, Managing Director of Google Singapore, underscored the mission: safeguarding kids and teens online is critical and requires proactive, built-in protections. He emphasized that age estimation will trigger safeguards—from blocking access to adult-only apps to enabling digital wellbeing reminders—delivering an added layer of protection across devices and services.
King also highlighted Google’s collaborative stance, noting partnerships with parents, governments, and NGOs to ensure young people access knowledge and tools for safe and positive digital experiences.
Existing safety tools and educational campaigns
The move complements Google’s current safety features, such as Family Link for parental controls, supervised YouTube experiences, and Be Internet Awesome, a resource for digital literacy and safety skills. In tandem with the rollout, Google also announced the fourth edition of YouTube Creators for Impact in Singapore. The program will involve six local creators who will produce content addressing online risks like cyberbullying, with expert-led workshops and discussions to equip youths with practical strategies for digital safety.
Industry and policy context
Google’s age assurance plan aligns with broader government and industry efforts to protect younger users online while maintaining access to digital services. As policymakers debate the balance between safety and freedom online, such technology-driven safeguards represent a practical approach to reducing risk without overly restricting beneficial uses of digital tools.
