Google launches age checks for young users in Singapore

Google has started rolling out age assurance in Singapore across Search, Google Play and YouTube, applying stricter default settings for users it estimates are under 18.

The move introduces automatic changes to product settings when Google's systems classify an account as belonging to a minor. Google said users who fall into that category receive controls aimed at limiting exposure to adult material and introducing additional viewing prompts on YouTube.

The rollout follows an earlier plan for age assurance to be implemented across Google products in Singapore within the first quarter of 2026.

Search and Play

In Search, Google turns on the SafeSearch filter setting by default for users estimated to be under 18. The setting filters explicit results in Search.

In Google Play, the company blocks users recognised as minors from accessing apps restricted to adults. Google did not specify which categories of apps it treats as adult-restricted in the announcement.

Google also described age-related changes for Google Maps. It said it will disable Timeline in Maps for users estimated to be under 18. Timeline stores a history of where a user has been.

YouTube safeguards

On YouTube, Google said it will turn on Digital Wellbeing tools for users estimated to be under 18. These include reminders to take a break and prompts for time for bed.

Google also said it will add safeguards to content recommendations. It said this includes limiting repetitive views of some kinds of content. The company did not list the content types covered by that measure.

How it works

Google said the programme relies on age estimation and, where required, age verification. It uses a machine learning model for age estimation.

Google said the model interprets a variety of signals already associated with a user's account. It gave examples such as the types of information a user has searched for and the categories of videos they have watched on YouTube.

When Google estimates that a user is younger than 18, it said it will notify the user by email and while they use Google products. The notifications include information that settings have changed and how users can verify their age and manage the settings themselves.

Google said adults who it incorrectly estimates as under 18 can correct their age through age verification. The company said options include uploading a photo of a government ID or a selfie.

Google presented the approach as a way to apply different settings for minors and adults without requiring every user to complete verification upfront.

A survey by Singapore's Ministry of Digital Development and Information found that parents had concerns about online harm or risks children may face while engaging in online activities, according to Google. Google pointed to exposure to inappropriate content as one of those risks.

Google announced the initiative at a Safer with Google event attended by Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Madam Rahayu Mahzam.

"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.

Google positioned age assurance as an additional layer alongside tools already available to families.

"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," said Ben King, Managing Director, Google Singapore.

"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," said King.

Existing tools

Google said the age assurance feature complements other products and resources aimed at children and teenagers. These include Family Link, which parents can use to manage a child's account, guide online activity and set device screen time limits.

The company also pointed to supervised experiences on YouTube, which use content settings and limited features. Google also referenced its Be Internet Awesome resources for parents.

Creator programme

Alongside the product rollout, Google said it is launching the fourth edition of YouTube Creators for Impact in Singapore. The initiative focuses on awareness of online harms and resources for young people seeking support.

Google said this year's programme includes six "Impact Creators" in Singapore: Alderic, Avi Dixit, Jamie Lim Yin Yin, Lingyi from Wah!Banana, Mathilda Huang, and Ryan from Overkill Singapore. It said the creators will produce content and raise awareness among creators and viewers on topics such as cyberbullying and harassment.

Google said the participants will take part in expert workshops and discussion sessions, before developing content on their platforms as resources aimed at youth audiences.

The company said it will continue implementing age assurance across its products in Singapore during the first quarter of 2026.