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Online harms: Can app stores be effective gatekeepers?

Kids have had easy access to harmful content. Singapore’s new code hopes to change that.

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Solving a problem like online harm requires intervention at different levels.

Solving a problem like online harm requires intervention at different levels.

ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

Carol Soon

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It was news that gave parents struggling to keep their children safe from the onslaught of harmful digital content, reason to cheer. Singapore’s media regulator announced that it is rolling out a new code requiring app stores to screen and prevent users aged below 18 from downloading apps meant for adults, such as dating apps or those with sexual content. 

This age screening is a key aspect of

the Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services

being introduced by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) and which takes effect from March 31.

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