Email Hacking Penalties in Egypt?

Egypt's cybercrime law takes unauthorized interference with personal online accounts very seriously. Under Article 18, anyone who damages, disrupts, slows, or unlawfully hacks an individual's email, website, or private account faces a minimum of one month's imprisonment and a fine of at least EGP 50,000. This covers a wide range of behaviors — from fully taking over someone's account to simply disrupting their access to it.

If the hacking involves broader damage to a company's or institution's website rather than an individual's personal account, Article 19 applies with potentially steeper penalties, covering acts that damage, distort, hide, or alter the design of a corporate or organizational web presence. Article 20 further extends liability to cases involving intentional — or even inadvertent — access or privilege escalation within someone else's digital systems.

For expats, this means that disputes — whether personal or professional — must never be resolved through digital self-help measures like accessing an ex-partner's email, a former employer's systems, or a business rival's accounts. Even if you believe you have a legitimate grievance, taking unauthorized digital action can expose you to serious criminal liability in Egypt. Always pursue disputes through official legal channels and document any suspected hacking against you by reporting it to Egyptian authorities.