Egypt launches free 'Atmen' internet safety services for children

Egypt's National Telecom Regulatory Authority, together with the Ministry of Communications and the country's mobile operators, rolled out two free services – “Atmen” and “Atmen on the Other” – aimed at creating a safer online environment for children. The basic “Atmen” service filters harmful websites, blocks malicious software, and enables safe browsing and safe search, while the enhanced “Atmen on the Other” adds restriction of social‑media platforms and tighter parental controls.

The services are available to all mobile subscribers without changing SIM cards and can be activated through carrier stores or the operators’ apps (e.g., My Vodafone, My Orange, My Etisalat, My Tele‑Egypt). Launched on 1 July, the program is free during an initial trial period, with the state covering operating costs while the government reviews whether to keep it free permanently.