Online Content Is Heavily Regulated in Egypt
Egypt's Law No. 175 of 2018 does not simply target hackers and cybercriminals — it also directly governs what individuals can say, post, and share online. For expats accustomed to broader freedom of expression in their home countries, Egyptian content rules can come as a significant surprise.
The law works alongside Egypt's broader Penal Code, meaning some online offenses carry even heavier penalties than those listed in the cybercrime law itself.
What Content Is Illegal?
Violating Family Principles and Values
Article 25 is one of the most frequently discussed provisions for everyday internet users. It criminalizes any content that:
- Violates family principles or values in Egyptian society
- Promotes or glorifies conduct considered contrary to public morals
- Is published through an information network or any information technology tool
Penalty: At least six months imprisonment and a fine between EGP 50,000 and EGP 100,000, or either penalty alone.
This provision is intentionally broad. Content that expats might consider normal — posts about LGBTQ+ topics, sexually suggestive images, or criticism of religious traditions — can fall within its scope. Expats have been investigated and detained under similar provisions.
Incitement to Illegal Acts
Article 26 prohibits using an information network or technology platform to intentionally incite others to commit acts that violate Egyptian law. This includes:
- Calling for protests without proper permits
- Encouraging civil disobedience
- Spreading content designed to disturb public order
Penalty: Two to five years imprisonment and fines of EGP 100,000–300,000.
Running Websites That Facilitate Crimes
Article 27 targets individuals who create, manage, or operate websites, accounts, or information systems used to commit or facilitate crimes under the law — even if the operator is not personally committing the underlying offense.
Penalty: At least two years imprisonment and fines of EGP 100,000–300,000.
Website Managers and Platform Operators
If you manage a website, private account, or social platform accessible in Egypt, you may bear responsibility for content published by others. Articles 28 and 29 impose liability on platform managers who:
- Knowingly allow illegal content to remain published
- Fail to remove flagged content when required by authorities
- Allow their platforms to be used to commit cybercrime offenses
Penalties range from six months to one year imprisonment and fines of EGP 20,000–200,000.
Fake Accounts and Impersonation
Creating a fake online identity — whether a fake email address, social media profile, or website falsely attributed to another person or organization — is a specific offense under Article 24.
- Basic impersonation: at least three months imprisonment, EGP 10,000–30,000 fine
- If the fake account is used to commit further crimes, penalties increase significantly
This applies to satirical accounts that could be mistaken for genuine profiles, so expat bloggers and content creators should be especially careful about how they label parody or fictional personas.
Website Blocking
Under Article 7, Egyptian authorities can order the blocking of any website — hosted inside or outside Egypt — if its content is found to:
- Threaten national security or public safety
- Violate the law in any other manner covered by the legislation
Blocking orders can be issued quickly and without prior notice to the website owner. If your website or blog is blocked, you or your legal representative may appeal to the competent criminal court after seven days from the order's issuance (Article 8).
Practical Advice for Expats on Social Media
- Audit your existing content. Review your social media profiles for posts that could be interpreted as offensive to Egyptian values, religion, or government authority before and during your stay.
- Avoid political commentary. Posts about Egyptian politics, the military, or government institutions carry elevated legal risk. Even sharing or liking such content from others can draw attention.
- Do not share content about religion carelessly. Egypt's constitution places significant weight on Islamic principles. Content perceived as insulting to Islam or other recognized religions can result in prosecution under both the cybercrime law and the Penal Code.
- Private messaging is not fully private. Egyptian authorities can obtain court orders to monitor digital communications. Assume that messages sent through any platform could potentially be accessed.
- If you run a website or blog, ensure you have a clear moderation policy and remove any user-generated content that could be considered illegal under Egyptian law promptly.
- Consult a lawyer before creating any activist, news, or political content that touches on Egyptian society or governance.
Key Takeaway
Egypt's online content rules reflect a legal environment that prioritizes public order, national security, and traditional social values over unrestricted digital expression. Expats should adjust their online behavior accordingly and seek local legal advice when in doubt.