Singapore – Google will roll out age assurance solutions across its products in Singapore in the first quarter of 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to keeping children and teenagers safe online.
The initiative was announced at the Safer with Google event, graced by Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Madam Rahayu Mahzam, and is designed to better distinguish between younger users and adults, while delivering more age-appropriate online experiences for those under 18.
The move comes amid growing parental concern over online risks, including exposure to inappropriate content, highlighted in a Ministry of Digital Development and Information survey on digital parenting conducted in February 2025.
Google’s age assurance approach uses machine learning to estimate a user’s age based on signals already linked to their account and automatically applies protections for users estimated to be under 18.
These age-appropriate experiences include disabling Timeline in Google Maps, preventing access to adult-restricted apps on Google Play, turning on SafeSearch by default in Search, and activating YouTube digital wellbeing tools such as reminders to take a break and time for bed, alongside safeguards to limit repetitive exposure to certain types of content.
The rollout will cover products including Gemini, Google Maps, Play, Search, and YouTube.
Users estimated to be under 18 will be notified via email and while using Google products that their settings have changed, and will be guided on how to verify their age if needed.
Adults who are incorrectly estimated to be under 18 will be able to correct their age through verification options such as uploading a government-issued ID or a selfie.
“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.
“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 of 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,” he added.
The age assurance rollout complements Google’s existing family safety tools, including Family Link, supervised experiences on YouTube, and the Be Internet Awesome programme, which helps parents guide children to be safer and more confident online.
Google also announced the fourth edition of YouTube Creators for Impact, aimed at raising awareness of online harms and directing young people to support resources.
