Singapore finds harmful content and age-rating lapses across major app stores

Singapore has identified 65 applications (apps) containing harmful content in a test involving more than 7,000 apps across all Designated App Distribution Services (D-ADSs), the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said. — Unsplash pic

First Published: Saturday, 24 Oct 2026 7:19 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Oct 24 — Singapore has identified 65 applications (apps) containing harmful content in a test involving more than 7,000 apps across all Designated App Distribution Services (D-ADSs), the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said.

D-ADSs is also known as the app store by platform providers such as Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Huawei AppGallery, Microsoft Store, and Samsung Galaxy Store.

In its inaugural Online Safety Assessment Report (OSAR) on D-ADSs released on Saturday covering the reporting period from April 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, IMDA said a total of 24 apps were found to have been assigned incorrect age ratings.

“Apps that should have been rated 18+ under their respective age-rating policies but were assigned a lower age-rating.

“The apps included sexual content, content facilitating vice and organised crime, and violent content,” it said in a statement on Saturday.

The agency said the identified apps were only removed or re-rated after IMDA notified the D-ADSs, indicating some weaknesses in the provider’s app review processes.

IMDA also found instances where users below 18 were not restricted by default from downloading 18+ apps on some D-ADSs.

“There were also inconsistencies in how D-ADSs notified users of the outcomes of their reports via the reporting channels, highlighting the need for D-ADSs to improve on their user reporting mechanisms,” it added.

The OSAR is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen online safety and hold platforms accountable through the implementation of the Social Media Services and App Distribution Services Online Safety Codes of Practice. — Bernama