Cyber COP: SIM Cards to Protect Children Online

On Wednesday, December 10th, the Ministry of ICT launched the Cyber COP (Child Online Protection) initiative in Ébène. This program introduces SIM cards specifically designed for minors, allowing parents to block access to inappropriate websites and applications.

The service is now available through the three major telecom operators: Mauritius Telecom, Emtel, and MTML. This initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of ICT and the Ministry of Gender Equality, overseen by the ICTA. Jérôme Louis, Officer in Charge of the ICTA, emphasized that while the COP system is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to assist parents in monitoring their children’s online activities.

The goal is to enhance the fight against cybercrime, he added.

The MyT Child Online Protect service is offered at Rs 120 per month, according to Veemal Gungadin, CEO of Mauritius Telecom.

The Emtel Kids Plan costs Rs 199 and includes a whitelist of child-friendly applications and websites, explained Chief Information Officer, Veekash Aukhojee. A second phase of the project is expected to be launched soon.