{
  "id": 16566868,
  "title": "IMDA: Singapore has found 65 apps with harmful content out of 7K+ tested across major app stores, 24 lack age restrictions for users under 18",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/imda-singapore-has-found-65-apps-with-harmful-content-out-of-7k",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-26T04:30:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Independent Singapore",
    "slug": "the-independent-singapore",
    "url": "https://theindependent.sg/imda-singapore-has-found-65-apps-with-harmful-content-out-of-7k-tested-across-major-app-stores-24-lack-age-restrictions-for-users-under-18"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore has discovered 65 apps with harmful content out of 7,000+ tested across major app stores, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these platforms in safeguarding younger users. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) reported these findings in its first Online Safety Assessment Report, which covered the period from April 1 to December 31, 2025, according to Malay Mail (Oct 24).\n\nUpon examination, 65 apps were found to contain harmful content, such as explicit, violent, or material related to vice and organized crime. Additionally, 24 apps had incorrect age ratings, indicating that content intended for adults was rated lower than it should be. These content issues highlight the importance of age labels, especially considering the prevalence of children accessing apps through everyday devices.\n\nIMDA also found that certain app stores failed to automatically prevent users under 18 from downloading apps rated for adults, leaving parents responsible for additional oversight beyond merely checking age labels. The authority emphasized that a rating provides limited protection if the store does not enforce it properly.\n\nFurthermore, IMDA discovered inconsistencies in how platforms communicated the outcomes of reports submitted through their reporting channels. While the identified apps were eventually removed or re-rated after IMDA notified the relevant platforms, this lack of control underscores weaknesses in the app review processes themselves.\n\nThese findings are part of Singapore's ongoing efforts to enhance online safety through its Social Media Services and App Distribution Services Online Safety Codes of Practice. App stores are urged to improve their checks, ensuring they catch harmful material before it reaches users, enforce age limits correctly, and clearly communicate the process following complaints. While parents can guide their children, platform safeguards must also fulfill their responsibility.",
  "summary": "SINGAPORE: Singapore has found harmful content and age-rating mistakes across major app stores, raising questions about how well these platforms protect younger users. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) reported the findings in its first Online Safety Assessment Report, covering Apr 1 to Dec 31, 2025, Malay Mail reported (Oct 24). IMDA examined more than 7,000 apps across designated…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}