The Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has announced plans to launch dedicated mobile SIM cards for children, developed in collaboration with the nation’s main mobile operators.
First announced in February, the initiative is expected to roll out commercially within the next 60 days.
During a session of the Parliamentary Committee on Communications and Information Technology, minister Raafat Hindy confirmed that the new SIM cards are designed to provide parents with robust monitoring and control tools.
According to state-owned news outlet Ahram Online, the committee is also weighing a new law to regulate how children access social media and digital games.
This legislative push follows a directive from president Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who has been vocal in calling for age-based restrictions.
The head of state has argued that such limits should remain in place until young users are equipped to properly manage digital tools and navigate the risks of "distorted reality" posed by artificial intelligence and social media.
Furthermore, the move marks a major step in the government’s broader strategy to tighten oversight of minors’ digital footprints.
Minister Hindy noted that while the social media draft law draws on international models, including higher minimum age requirements and platform fines, the government aims to avoid the implementation hurdles seen elsewhere.
"The goal is to develop a balanced, practical framework that protects children without depriving them of the benefits of the digital space," he said.
The government maintains that the digital environment has evolved from just an information source into an influential space that shapes child behaviour.
Consequently, officials are stressing the need for platforms to verify user ages while strictly safeguarding data privacy.
Mohamed Shamroukh, president of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, confirmed that technical preparations are currently being finalised, with a full commercial rollout across all networks expected soon.
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