Launch of a SIM Card for Children's Online Protection

A SIM card for children's online protection, part of a national initiative aimed at enhancing digital safety and promoting responsible mobile use among children, was launched on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, by the Minister of Information Technology, Communication, and Innovation, Dr. Avinash Ramtohul, in Ebène.

The Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mauritius Telecom, Veemal Gungadin; regulatory body representatives, telecommunications operators, NGOs, and other dignitaries were present at the launch.

The TIC Minister highlighted the growing concerns regarding children's online safety, noting that an average of 17 cases of cybercrime are reported each day, with many incidents going unreported. He emphasized that the introduction of the SIM card, coinciding with Human Rights Day 2025, is part of the government's efforts to equip parents with the necessary tools to protect their children online.

Dr. Avinash Ramtohul reaffirmed the government's commitment to ongoing collaboration to address digital threats and ensure that children can access the internet in a secure and supportive environment. He also mentioned that the government is working to strengthen digital rights.

The Minister drew attention to the dangers posed by illegal and harmful online content, including self-harm challenges, drug-related activities, and other inappropriate content. He called on media, digital platforms, and social networks to operate within the legal and regulatory framework, including data protection laws and the ICTA law, to safeguard minors' rights and privacy while preserving freedom of expression.

The launch of the SIM card is the first phase of the initiative; the second phase will involve the introduction of routers to allow parents to manage access to online platforms and websites.

The three national telecommunications operators, namely Mauritius Telecom, Emtel, and CHiLi, presented the specific child protection features integrated into their respective SIM packs.

The new SIM card includes age-appropriate content filters, real-time monitoring alerts, restricted access to dangerous websites, and parental dashboard controls. These features aim to prevent exposure to cyberbullying, online predators, gaming platforms, and inappropriate media.

The event also featured a statistical presentation by an expert from CERT-MU; a presentation by the NGO Raise Brave Girls, and a testimony from a family member of a cyberbullying victim, highlighting the real impact of online risks on children and families.