Singapore has announced plans to require social media platforms to enforce a minimum user age of 13. The government also wants platforms to provide safer online experiences for users aged 13 to 17.
How age checks would work
A stated age limit depends on how platforms establish that a user meets it. Reliable checks must also deal with mistakes and limit the collection of personal information. The government’s announcement calls for robust checks but leaves the practical details for implementation.
The proposal distinguishes two groups. Children under 13 would be screened out, while teenagers who can access platforms would be covered by additional protections. Which services and checks are covered, and when they apply, will determine what families actually see.
