The Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media (Mincifry) has put forward a proposal to introduce specialized SIM cards tailored for children under the age of 14.
According to Maksut Shadayev, the head of the ministry, these new SIM cards would offer parents enhanced capabilities for parental control and advanced filtering of internet traffic. He emphasized that parents would have the option to activate these features, ensuring a safer online environment for their children.
Speaking at the “Digital Evolution” forum, Shadayev explained, “Mincifry suggests implementing children`s SIM cards that will incorporate specific, parent-configurable traffic filtering tools. This initiative is designed for children up to 14 years old.”
These proposed SIM cards would come with a predefined set of security restrictions. For instance, the minister clarified that if a child attempts to access social media platforms using a number associated with such a card, the system would prevent the login. This measure aims to protect younger users from potentially inappropriate content or interactions.
Shadayev further stated, “We will obligate mobile operators to offer this service.” He acknowledged that while parents would retain the discretion to opt-in or out of the service, the ministry believes there is a clear demand and interest among parents for SIM cards that provide a degree of content filtering and restrict access to certain undesirable online services.
