What Is Egypt's Cybercrime Law?
Law No. 175 of 2018 is Egypt's primary legislation addressing offenses committed through the internet, electronic devices, information systems, and digital networks. It applies not only to Egyptian nationals but also to non-Egyptians who commit covered offenses outside Egypt, provided the act is also punishable in the country where it occurred (Article 3). This means expats can potentially face liability even for actions taken before arriving in Egypt.
The law is enforced by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), which has broad powers to monitor, investigate, and act against suspected violations.
Who Does This Law Apply To?
- All residents of Egypt, regardless of nationality
- Non-Egyptians abroad who commit offenses that affect Egypt's digital infrastructure or national security
- Service providers operating in Egypt, including telecom companies and website operators
- Businesses and individuals managing websites, social media accounts, or information systems in Egypt
If you are an expat using the internet in Egypt — for work, social media, or personal communication — this law applies to you.
Key Prohibited Activities
The law criminalizes a wide range of digital behaviors. Here are the most important categories expats should be aware of:
Unauthorized Access
- Intentionally accessing a restricted website, private account, or information system without authorization carries a minimum one year imprisonment and fines between EGP 50,000 and EGP 100,000 (Article 14).
- Exceeding your authorized access — for example, accessing parts of a work system you are not permitted to use — is also a criminal offense, with a minimum six months imprisonment (Article 15).
Online Content Violations
- Posting content that violates Egyptian family principles or values can result in at least six months imprisonment and fines of EGP 50,000–100,000 (Article 25). This provision is broadly worded and has been applied to social media posts.
- Creating a fake email, website, or social media profile impersonating a real person or organization is punishable by at least three months imprisonment (Article 24).
Hacking and Disruption
- Damaging, disrupting, or hacking someone's email, website, or private account carries a minimum one month imprisonment and fines up to EGP 100,000 (Article 18).
- Intercepting data or communications transmitted over a network is punishable by at least one year imprisonment (Article 16).
Financial Cybercrime
- Using an information network to access bank card numbers, service credentials, or electronic payment tools without authorization carries at least three months imprisonment (Article 23).
Website Blocking Powers
Article 7 grants Egyptian authorities significant power to block websites — whether hosted inside or outside Egypt — if the content is deemed to threaten national security, public order, or constitutes an offense under the law. Appeals are possible under Article 8 but must be filed with a competent criminal court.
As an expat, be aware that:
- Certain websites and platforms may be blocked without prior notice
- Attempting to circumvent blocks using tools like VPNs may itself attract legal scrutiny
- Website operators targeting Egyptian audiences can be held liable for content published on their platforms
Digital Evidence and Your Rights
Under Article 11, electronic evidence — including data from devices, apps, emails, and information systems — carries the same legal weight as physical evidence in criminal proceedings. This means:
- Your device contents, browsing history, and messages can be used against you in court
- Authorities may apply for orders to monitor your communications (Article 6) for up to 30 days, renewable once
- Travel bans and account restrictions can be imposed during investigations (Article 9)
Practical Tips for Expats
- Think before you post. Content that seems harmless in your home country may violate Egyptian law, particularly posts touching on politics, religion, sexuality, or government institutions.
- Never access accounts that aren't yours. Even accessing a colleague's work account with their verbal permission could expose you to legal risk if it lacks formal authorization.
- Secure your own accounts. If your account is used to commit an offense — even without your knowledge — you may face questions from authorities.
- Be cautious with third-party software. Using unauthorized tools, software, or encryption keys without proper licensing can constitute an offense under Article 22.
- Consult a local lawyer if you receive any contact from Egyptian authorities regarding online activities. Early legal advice is critical.
Penalties at a Glance
| Offense | Minimum Imprisonment | Fine Range (EGP) | |---|---|---| | Unauthorized access | 1 year | 50,000–100,000 | | Exceeding access rights | 6 months | 30,000–100,000 | | Hacking email/website | 1 month | 50,000–100,000 | | Content violating family values | 6 months | 50,000–100,000 | | Data interception | 1 year | 50,000–250,000 | | Financial cybercrime | 3 months | 30,000+ |
Final Note
Egyptian cybercrime law is actively enforced, and prosecutions of both nationals and foreigners have occurred. Expats should treat their online behavior in Egypt with the same caution they would apply to physical conduct in a country with strict public order laws.