Egypt to Roll Out Child-Friendly SIM Cards by Mid-2026
The proposed framework features a fixed internet control system, developed in collaboration with telecom companies.
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Image Credit- Pankaj Kirdatt/ MIT Sloan Management Review Middle East
Egypt is gearing up to launch child-friendly SIM cards, featuring secure internet packages, parental controls, and age-based social media restrictions, in the coming months, said Cabinet Spokesman Mohamed El-Homosany.
The SIM initiative is part of a broader proposed governance framework for child online protection and is set to launch before 30 June 2026.
The proposed framework features a “fixed internet control” system, created with telecom companies. It will also classify content and add parental controls to devices with multiple network IDs.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has been spearheading the initiative and has ordered a swift finalization of the draft internet child protection law, currently being prepared by the Cabinet’s Board of Advisors, to produce a holistic bill.
He confirmed the prioritization of directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to urgently draft legislation to ensure a safe digital world.
Executives conducted a review of the legislative and regulatory handling of online betting, counterfeit currency distributed through video games, and digital addiction. Authorities are also strategizing how to regulate companies operating in this sector.
The proposed framework mandates the activation of protection tools on digital platforms, including age verification, parental controls, and content classification, and requires enhanced transparency through periodic reports, user complaint mechanisms to monitor compliance, and the launch of awareness campaigns promoting safe and responsible internet usage.
The meeting was attended by Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population; Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity; Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education; Raafat Hindi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology; and Abdel Aziz Qanswa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Earlier in February, Egypt’s Information and Decision Support Center launched its first Child Protection from Internet Risks Index, posting a score of 64.3, indicating above-average safeguards but persistent vulnerabilities.
Officials stated that the tool aims to help policymakers strengthen legal, technical, and awareness frameworks to promote safer children’s internet use.
