Cyber Law at Egypt
Cyber law in Egypt has become increasingly important as the country expands its digital infrastructure and internet usage. The government has introduced various laws to regulate digital activity, protect data, and combat cybercrime. Here's a breakdown of cyber law in Egypt as of recent years:
⚖️ Key Legal Frameworks
1. Cybercrime Law – Law No. 175 of 2018
Full name: Law on Combating Information Technology Crimes
This is the main cybercrime law in Egypt.
Covers:
Unauthorized access to websites or information systems.
Hacking and denial-of-service attacks.
Illegal content, including promoting terrorism, false news, or threats to national security.
Online fraud and financial cybercrimes.
Identity theft and impersonation.
Invasion of privacy (e.g., leaking personal images or data).
Grants broad authority to the government to block websites and monitor internet activity for national security.
🛑 Controversy: Critics argue the law gives the government extensive surveillance powers and can be used to suppress dissent or free speech.
2. Personal Data Protection Law – Law No. 151 of 2020
Modeled partly on the EU’s GDPR, this law regulates how personal data is processed and stored.
Requires consent for collecting or sharing personal data.
Gives individuals rights like:
Access to their data.
Request correction or deletion.
Applies to both public and private entities operating in Egypt or handling Egyptian users' data.
Created a Data Protection Center under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to oversee enforcement.
🛠️ The Executive Regulations (released in 2022) clarify compliance requirements for businesses and international companies.
3. Telecommunication Regulation Law – Law No. 10 of 2003
Gives the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) the power to:
Regulate internet and telecom service providers.
Monitor communications for national security (with approval).
Control infrastructure licensing and use.
🧑⚖️ Enforcement and Institutions
NTRA – regulates telecom and internet infrastructure.
Cybercrime Units within the Ministry of Interior handle enforcement and investigation of online crimes.
Data Protection Center (DPC) – oversees data protection compliance and breaches.
🚨 Real-World Application & Controversies
Egypt has been criticized for using its cyber laws to monitor activists, journalists, and political opponents.
Dozens of websites (including news outlets and VPN services) have been blocked since the Cybercrime Law passed.
Authorities often cite national security, anti-terrorism, or public morals as justification for surveillance and content regulation.
🌍 International Cooperation
Egypt collaborates regionally and internationally through:
Arab League initiatives on cybersecurity.
UNODC and INTERPOL for cybercrime investigation.
Ongoing talks on aligning with international norms, although Egypt has not signed the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.
📌 Summary: Cyber Law in Egypt
| Area | Main Law | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cybercrime | Law No. 175 of 2018 | Broad powers; criticized for overreach |
| Data Protection | Law No. 151 of 2020 | Based on GDPR; enforced since 2022 |
| Telecommunications Regulation | Law No. 10 of 2003 | Controls ISPs, content, surveillance |
| Regulating Body | NTRA, Cybercrime Units, DPC | Multiple institutions involved |
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