Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act 2025
Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act 2025 in Singapore: active, effective April 1, 2026 (app stores); H1 2026 (Online Safety Commission). Applies to App stores, social media services, and online platforms accessible in Singapore. Age range: Under 18. App stores required to screen and preven
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Singapore |
|---|---|
| Category | International |
| Status | active |
| Effective date | April 1, 2026 (app stores); H1 2026 (Online Safety Commission) |
| Age range | Under 18 |
| Applies to | App stores, social media services, and online platforms accessible in Singapore |
Key requirements
- App stores required to screen and prevent users estimated to be under 18 from downloading age-inappropriate apps (from April 1, 2026)
- Platforms must take down defined online harms promptly following reports
- Protections against image-based child abuse including AI-generated/altered content (CSEM)
- Online Safety Commission (OSC) operational H1 2026 with enforcement powers
- Social Media Services to adopt age assurance frameworks later in 2026
- IMDA can place platforms under Enhanced Supervision for serious child safety failures
Notes
Passed Parliament November 5, 2025. Implemented in phases. IMDA issued Letters of Caution to X and TikTok in 2026 for CSEM failures; both placed under Enhanced Supervision.
Frequently asked
What does Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act 2025 require?
App stores required to screen and prevent users estimated to be under 18 from downloading age-inappropriate apps (from April 1, 2026) Platforms must take down defined online harms promptly following reports Protections against image-based child abuse including AI-generated/altered content (CSEM) Online Safety Commission (OSC) operational H1 2026 with enforcement powers Social Media Services to adopt age assurance frameworks later in 2026 IMDA can place platforms under Enhanced Supervision for serious child safety failures
Who must comply with Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act 2025 in Singapore?
App stores, social media services, and online platforms accessible in Singapore
When does Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act 2025 take effect and what is its status?
Effective April 1, 2026 (app stores); H1 2026 (Online Safety Commission). Current status: active. Passed Parliament November 5, 2025. Implemented in phases. IMDA issued Letters of Caution to X and TikTok in 2026 for CSEM failures; both placed under Enhanced Supervision.
Related laws
| Law | Jurisdiction | Category | Status | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Media Minimum Age Law | Australia | International | active | December 10, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Age Verification Requirements | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Child Safety Regime | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Under-16 Social Media Ban (Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 regulations) | United Kingdom | International | pending | Spring 2027 (expected) |
| Digital Services Act — Guidelines on Protecting Minors | European Union | International | active | July 14, 2025 |
| EU Digital Minimum Age & Mandatory Age Assurance Initiative | European Union | International | pending | TBD (Commission proposal expected; Digital Fairness Act 2026) |
| GDPR — Children's Consent Requirements | European Union | International | active | May 25, 2018 |
| Under-15 Social Media Ban (2026 Law) | France | International | blocked | N/A (struck down August 14, 2026) |
Put it into practice
- Generate the policy: NIST AI RMF policy generator (generatepolicy.com)
- Buy the policy pack: NIST AI RMF Implementation Policy (cyberpolicy.shop)
- Build it yourself: Pillar 06 Companion — The 2026 AI Risk Register (ciso.diy)