Andorra to Mandate Special SIM Cards for Minors to Curb Online Risks

The Andorran government aims to introduce parliamentary proceedings for an amendment to the qualified law on children's and adolescents' rights by late February or early March, requiring minors under 18 to use special SIM cards designed to limit online risks and social media access.

Minister of Public Function and Digital Transformation Marc Rossell outlined the plans in statements to the Andorran News Agency, noting that the draft—currently in final preparation—centers on four main pillars. He emphasized building consensus across all parliamentary groups to enable swift approval, describing it as essential for effective child protection. Rossell plans to meet with each group to secure broad backing.

Parallel efforts are advancing on Penal Code changes to strengthen digital safeguards, including potential criminal penalties linked to minors under 16 accessing social networks. Government spokesperson Guillem Casal confirmed this during Wednesday's post-Council of Ministers press conference, stating work has been underway since autumn. The measures aim to enforce prohibitions more robustly by addressing serious digital offenses, aligning with trends in Spain and France. Casal stressed that the initiative reflects structured planning rather than recent events.

Rossell highlighted the cookie jar analogy—where a child uses a ladder to bypass barriers—to underscore that restrictions alone are insufficient, requiring layered legislative responses. He argued against a standalone law, instead integrating protections into the children's rights framework as a core entitlement. Rossell expressed satisfaction with neighboring countries' alignment, having recently discussed the issue with Spain's counterpart. International experts, he added, endorse network cutoffs for youth safety.

One outlet reported the SIM card requirement could take effect next month, though no confirmed technical specifics or implementation timelines are available.