What You Need to Know
The ICT Ministry of Mauritius has launched a SIM card designed to enhance child online protection as part of a national initiative. This initiative aims to strengthen digital safety and promote responsible mobile use among children, coinciding with Human Rights Day 2025. The SIM card includes features to filter age-appropriate content and monitor online activity.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. A SIM Card for Child Online Protection which is part of a national initiative to strengthen digital safety and promote responsible mobile use among children was launched, today, by the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr Avinash Ramtohul, in Ebène.
The Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie; stakeholders of regulatory bodies, telecommunications operators, representatives of non-governmental organisations and other personalities were present at the launching.
Minister Ramtohul highlighted the growing concerns regarding child online safety, noting that an average of 17 cybercrime cases are reported daily with unreported incidents. He underscored that the introduction of the SIM card coinciding with Human Rights Day 2025, forms part of Government’s efforts to empower parents with tools to safeguard their children online.
Dr Ramtohul reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ongoing collaboration to address digital threats and to ensure that children can access the internet in a secure and supportive environment. He also mentioned that Government is working towards strengthening digital rights.
The Minister also drew attention to the dangers posed by illegal and harmful online content, including self-harm challenges, drug-related activities and other inappropriate material. He called on the media, digital platforms and social networks to operate within legal and regulatory frameworks, including the Data Protection Act and the ICTA Act, to uphold the rights and privacy of minors while preserving freedom of expression.
The launching of the SIM card is the first phase of the initiative, a second phase will involve introduction of routers to enable parents 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 comprises age-appropriate content filters, real-time monitoring alerts, restricted access to harmful websites, and parental dashboard controls. These features aim to prevent exposure to cyberbullying, online predators, gambling platforms, and inappropriate media.
The event also featured statistical presentation by an expert from CERT-MU; a presentation by the NGO Raise Brave Girls and a testimonial from a family member of a cyberbullying victim highlighting the real-life impact of online risks on children and families.
In recent years, the rise of digital technology has brought about significant concerns regarding child safety online. With increasing internet access, children are more vulnerable to cyberbullying, online predators, and exposure to harmful content. Governments worldwide have been implementing measures to safeguard children in the digital space, recognizing the need for protective tools and educational resources to empower parents and guardians.
Mauritius has been proactive in addressing these challenges, launching initiatives that focus on digital rights and safety. The introduction of the SIM card for Child Online Protection marks a crucial step in this ongoing effort, aiming to provide a
