Russia Proposes Special SIM Cards for Children

The initiative would let parents control minors’ access to social media and age-restricted content, aiming to improve online safety.

Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media has proposed introducing special SIM cards for children under 14. Minister Maksut Shadayev announced the initiative, explaining that the cards would come with parental controls, including the ability to block access to social networks with age restrictions.

According to Shadayev, the SIM cards would be issued to parents and preloaded with safety features. Telecom operators would be required to offer such services, but the final decision would rest with parents, who could choose whether to activate the option.

Officials believe many families will welcome additional tools to oversee their children’s online activity. Minors are often targeted by internet scammers and risk encountering inappropriate content. The proposal could soon be submitted as a formal bill.