Media classification in Singapore is currently administered by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). All forms of media, including films, TV programs, video games, and theatrical productions, must receive an age classification before widespread distribution.
 Prior to 1991, the Singaporean government did not have an official classification system. Instead, works were either unconditionally allowed, partially censored, or completely banned. Starting from June 1991, the Media Development Authority (MDA) instituted a ratings system with 3 ratings – General Audience (G), Parental Guidance (PG), and Restricted 18 (R18). Over the years, new ratings have been added and modified, and the current system as of 2022 now has 6 possible classifications. In 2016, the MDA and the Infocomm Development Authority were merged together – as the successor of the merged authorities, the IMDA is the current regulator.
 There are classification systems for the following types of media: films, TV programs, video games, and arts entertainment (e.g., theatrical productions).
 Films and TV programs both use the same rating system. Free-to-air TV content must also adhere to additional restrictions, as outlined in Section 5 of the Content Code.
 Free-to-air (FTA) TV networks may only show content at this rating or lower, and can only air PG13 content between 10PM and 6AM. Advertisements for films with this rating cannot be shown where a child may inadvertently be exposed to them (e.g on video walls).
 Pay TV and video-on-demand (VOD) operators must adhere to several restrictions in order to ensure that a child is not inadvertently exposed to rated content. They are required to offer a 'parental lock' feature, which restricts NC16 and M18 content with a PIN code. Pay TV operators must also ensure that promotional material for rated content is "edited and scheduled appropriately."
 Pay TV operators are only allowed to air content with this rating or lower.
 Pay TV operators are not allowed to air content with this rating, and VOD operators must offer a separate PIN lock for R21 content as a default. Advertisements for R21-rated content can only appear in venues licensed for R21 films, and/or at the start of another R21-rated movie.
 Many films that the IMDA refused to classify were restricted because of concerns that they might "undermine the public order". For example, the film To Singapore, With Love, which documented former political dissidents in Singapore, was refused classification, as the MDA believed it was one-sided and "undermined national security".
 Following a controversy in November 2007, in which the government banned the video game Mass Effect, and then unbanned it a day later, over concerns that the game featured homosexuality, the IMDA announced that it would create a new classification system for games in early 2008. Therefore, starting from April 2008, video games that were sold in Singapore were required to undergo classification. 
 As of 2022, there are 2 ratings in the classification system. Games only need to be classified if they are physically sold in Singapore - however, some digital storefronts like Steam may display the IMDA rating to Singaporean users if one is present.