MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has announced that it does not intend to impose restrictions on children's access to social media.

Previously, Forbes reported that minors in Russia might face bans on using instant messaging apps and social media platforms. The updated Rules for the Provision of Telephone Services now prohibit SMS messages sent to children's SIM cards, with the exception of messages from government information systems such as Gosuslugi (Government Services).

The ministry clarified that "additional protection for children's SIM cards can only be installed at the parents' request."

"The Ministry of Digital Development does not plan to restrict children’s access to social media. Any measures involving restrictions on children's SIM cards are solely at parental discretion and are designed to enhance online safety for minors," the news release reads.