Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) has announced plans to launch specialized “parental” mobile SIM cards designed specifically for children. Mohamed Shamroukh, Executive Chairman of the NTRA, confirmed during a House of Representatives committee meeting on April 5, 2026, that the service will be rolled out commercially across all four of the country’s mobile operators—Vodafone, Orange, WE, and Etisalat—within a maximum of 60 days.
The initiative is part of a broader legislative effort to regulate digital content and protect minors from online risks. The child-designated SIM cards will feature built-in technical controls, including:
- Automatic Content Filtering: Mandatory blocks on pornographic websites and violent material.
- Bypass Prevention: Integrated restrictions on tools used to circumvent filters, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
- Gaming Oversight: Enhanced regulatory controls for electronic games, particularly those allowing open communication between users.
According to Raafat Hindi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, the SIM cards are currently undergoing final technical trials. The government is also preparing a draft law centered on a standardized age-rating system for digital content and platforms, developed in consultation with international tech firms to ensure enforceability.
This regulatory shift follows a directive from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in early 2026 to study international models—such as those in Australia and the UK—to curb “digital chaos” and enhance online safety for youth. The move also follows the Supreme Council for Media Regulation’s recent decision to block the gaming platform Roblox, citing safety concerns for adolescents.
Editor’s Note: This move marks a transition from software-based parental controls to infrastructure-level regulation. By mandating these SIMs at the operator level, Egypt is setting a regional precedent for state-led digital safety that could influence how other MEA regulators approach the “safe internet” mandate for minors.
