Egypt has introduced a new licensing framework for the Egypt Child Safe SIM initiative, marking an important step toward improving online safety for children. The program is designed to help protect young users from harmful online content while giving parents more control over their children’s digital activities.
The announcement was made by Mohamed Shamroukh, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Board Member of Egypt’s National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA), during a signing ceremony attended by Raafat Hendy, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.
The new initiative supports Egypt’s wider digital transformation plans. It also follows presidential directives that place child protection at the center of the country’s growing digital economy while preserving national values and cultural identity.
Under the new licensing framework, all licensed mobile network operators in Egypt will be able to offer Child Safe Mobile SIM cards. These SIM cards are specially designed to create a safer online experience for children by limiting exposure to harmful digital content and encouraging responsible internet use.
A key feature of the service is stronger parental control. Parents will have more tools to manage how their children use mobile internet services and social media platforms. The goal is to help families guide children’s online activities while reducing the risks linked to unsafe digital content.
Officials said the initiative aims to create a secure digital environment where children can safely benefit from technology, education, and communication without unnecessary exposure to online dangers.
Shamroukh described the project as an important milestone in Egypt’s efforts to build a safer digital future. He said protecting children remains a priority as technology becomes a larger part of everyday life.
He added that the initiative highlights successful cooperation between government agencies and private companies. According to Shamroukh, this partnership supports Egypt’s digital development while making child safety a central part of the country’s technology strategy.
Egypt’s four licensed mobile network operators are participating in the rollout of the service. They include Orange Egypt, Vodafone Egypt, Telecom Egypt, and e& Egypt.
The involvement of all major mobile providers means the Child Safe Mobile SIM service is expected to become widely available across the country. Officials believe this broad cooperation will help more families access safer digital services for their children.
Shamroukh thanked the leadership teams of the four mobile operators for supporting the initiative and working together to strengthen child protection in Egypt’s digital sector.
The project also includes support from technology companies that helped develop the service.
Cyshield participated as the technology partner, with Managing Director Mostafa Essa contributing to the development of the initiative. International partner KIDZONET also worked on the project, with Managing Director Nidal Taha supporting its implementation.
According to officials, the partnership between regulators, mobile operators, and technology companies demonstrates a shared commitment to creating a safer online environment for children while encouraging innovation across the telecommunications industry.
As children spend more time using smartphones, social media, and online learning platforms, governments around the world have increased efforts to improve digital safety. Many countries are introducing stronger parental controls, content filtering tools, and online safety measures to better protect young internet users.
Egypt’s Child Safe Mobile SIM is part of this broader global effort to promote responsible technology use while reducing online risks for children.
Officials said the initiative balances child protection with access to educational and digital resources. Rather than limiting technology use, the program aims to help children use digital services safely under appropriate parental guidance.
The licensing framework also supports Egypt’s long-term vision of building a modern digital society where innovation, security, and inclusion work together.
As the rollout begins, mobile operators will introduce the Child Safe Mobile SIM service to customers across Egypt. The initiative is expected to provide families with new tools that improve online safety, strengthen parental supervision, and encourage responsible digital habits among young users.
With support from government agencies, telecommunications companies, and technology partners, Egypt is taking another step toward building a safer and more secure digital environment for future generations.
