Ministry of Digital Development Proposes Notifying Operators if a SIM Card is Used by a Child

Mobile number usage rules for children may change in Russia

The Ministry of Digital Development has proposed obligating Russians to notify operators if a SIM card is used by a child. The initiative aims to automatically apply age restrictions and control minors' access to online services.

According to the proposal, the SIM card owner will have to inform the operator that it has been given to a child. After that, the operator will enter the data into the state information system of Roskomnadzor (KSIM). Internet services will then be able to check the age of users via their phone number, restricting access to inappropriate content. Currently, you can register a SIM card in your own name from the age of 14.

Experts note that the mechanism remains undefined. Operators will likely have to modernize their personal accounts, SIM card sales processes, and interactions with call centers. In addition, Internet portals and social networks will have to verify the age of users, which will lead to additional organizational costs.

Earlier, the Ministry of Digital Development proposed issuing separate SIM cards for children under 14 with limited registration options on social networks. The aim of the initiative is to improve the safety of children on the Internet and reduce the risk of fraud, but specific implementation mechanisms are still being discussed.

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