Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia, led by CEO Yaarob AlSayegh, has introduced Aman, the Kingdom's first network-level parental control service. This initiative, although reducing data revenue, is part of the company's commitment to child safety. AlSayegh explained that the decision aligns with Virgin's brand values and its history of challenging the status quo.
The move comes in the wake of Meta's agreement to pay up to $18 billion to settle claims in the US that its platforms were designed to addict children. AlSayegh argues that government-imposed age bans are insufficient for online child safety, emphasising the need for parental education and easy-to-use safety tools. "Provide them with the necessary tools, technology that make it easy—no configuration, nothing additional that you have to do," he stated.
Aman operates without an app, offering a zero-touch solution through a SIM card that blocks unsuitable websites and social media platforms for children. This service was developed in response to Saudi parents' demand for a child-safe SIM, confirmed through customer surveys.
The initiative is part of Virgin's broader ambitions in Saudi Arabia, following discussions with Sir Richard Branson. The company sees potential for further growth and innovation in the Kingdom, supported by local authorities. Despite the potential impact on data consumption, AlSayegh remains optimistic about the continued growth of internet usage and the company's ability to offer cost-effective plans through its MVNO model
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