Russia’s Digital Ministry won’t ban kids from social media: SIM protection stays voluntary

Russia's Digital Ministry has officially denied any plans to restrict minors' access to social networks. The agency explained that additional safeguards for children's SIM cards, introduced under the second anti-fraud package in June, will remain entirely voluntary — mobile operators may activate them only at the request and with the consent of parents.

The new measures are aimed at improving online safety for children rather than blocking digital services. One option under consideration is banning operators from sending promotional messages and SMS used for authorization to child-specific numbers. The ministry believes this would reduce the risks of fraud, personal data leaks, and the illegal sale of minors' accounts.

The ministry stressed that any protective steps will maintain a balance between user safety and access to digital opportunities, with citizens' rights given top priority.

The statement came in response to criticism from VimpelCom. The operator slammed the revised "Rules for Providing Telephone Services," which include a ban on SMS mailings to children's SIM cards. According to the company, the wording effectively prohibits all messages to minors, including identification and authentication SMS from Russian messengers and social networks that comply with the law. Only mailings from state information systems, such as Gosuslugi, are exempt.

Operators fear that legitimate services relying on SMS for account login would also fall under the ban, creating extra hurdles for young users. The Digital Ministry, for its part, insists the final decision always rests with parents, and no forced restrictions on social media access are being considered.