Extending Age Assurance Measures, Minor-Safe Defaults and Crisis Escalation Standards for High-Risk AI Companion and Mental Health Chatbots Across Access Channels
Ministry of Digital Development and InformationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns age assurance measures and safety standards for high-risk AI companion and mental health chatbots, raised by Mr Yip Hon Weng. He inquired why equivalent age assurance is not mandated at point-of-access across all channels to prevent bypasses, and whether common safety and crisis escalation standards will apply. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo explained that app stores are key gateways where the Infocomm Media Development Authority can direct the removal of egregious content under the Broadcasting Act. She noted that the Code of Practice for Online Safety – App Distribution Services requires designated app stores to implement age assurance and conduct safety reviews to protect children. Minister Josephine Teo added that the Ministry is currently studying further safeguards to better protect younger users accessing chatbots through websites and other channels.
Transcript
35 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information in view that app store age assurance measures can be bypassed through web-based or account-free access at the point of download (a) why has the Ministry not required equivalent age assurance measures at the point of access to high-risk AI companion and mental health chatbots; and (b) whether common age assurance, minor-safe defaults and crisis escalation standards will apply across access channels.
Mrs Josephine Teo: Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots can be accessed through different channels, including mobile apps distributed through app stores and services accessed directly through the Internet.
The app store is therefore an important gateway for access. The Broadcasting Act allows the Infocomm Media Development Authority to direct an app store to disable Singapore users' access to egregious content – including apps that advocate or instruct on suicide or self-harm.
Additionally, the Code of Practice for Online Safety – App Distribution Services requires designated app stores to implement age assurance measures and minimise the risk of users, especially children, being exposed to harmful content. They are expected to review apps and app updates before release on their service to ensure compliance with the app store’s content guidelines and standards.
Some AI chatbots can also be accessed directly through websites or other channels. The Ministry of Digital Development and Information is studying further safeguards to better protect younger users across different modes of access.