Egypt is preparing to launch a dedicated mobile SIM card tailored for children, as part of a broader regulatory framework aimed at governing minors’ use of digital platforms and telecommunications services. The initiative was formally announced by Mohamed Shamroukh, Chief Executive of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority, during a session of the House of Representatives’ Communications and Information Technology Committee. The meeting, chaired by Ahmed Badawy, was convened to review a draft law regulating children’s use of social media platforms, with participation from school and university student representatives.
During the session, Shamroukh confirmed that the children’s SIM card is currently undergoing technical preparation and operational testing in coordination with Egypt’s four licensed telecom operators—Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Telecom Egypt, and Etisalat Misr—with a nationwide rollout planned across all networks upon completion of trials. The measure is designed to function as a technical extension of the proposed legislation, embedding parental oversight mechanisms directly
within telecom infrastructure.
Raafat Hindi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, stated that the service will be commercially launched within a maximum timeframe of 60 days. He emphasized that parental supervision remains a central pillar of the initiative, noting that oversight will extend across both mobile usage through the new SIM cards and fixed internet access, reflecting a comprehensive approach to managing children’s digital engagement.
Although detailed technical specifications have yet to be fully disclosed, the SIM card is expected to incorporate a suite of parental control functionalities, including usage monitoring, controlled access to applications and online content, and safeguards aligned with national digital safety objectives. The rollout signals a shift toward infrastructure level regulation of child connectivity in Egypt, positioning telecom operators within a more active role in implementing digital protection policies while opening a
new segment of regulated mobile services tailored specifically for younger users.
Egypt to Introduce Child-Specific SIM Card Within 60 Days to Enhance Digital Safety
