Egypt's Interior Ministry announced on Thursday, 01 October 2026, that security forces had arrested six people accused of preparing fabricated news for the Matsda2sh online platform. The platform is allegedly part of a Muslim Brotherhood media committee operating from abroad. According to the ministry, the arrests were made after completing the required legal procedures, and legal action has been taken against the individuals.
The Interior Ministry identified Abdel-Rahman Shokri Ali Abdel-Galil Mansour, a fugitive Brotherhood member living overseas, as the person running the unlicensed Matsda2sh page. The ministry accused the platform of spreading false news and distorting facts to undermine Egypt's stability. It is alleged that Brotherhood members inside Egypt prepared fabricated reports and sent them to Mansour for publication in return for funding from abroad.
One of the six arrested individuals is registered with the Journalists Syndicate, while the other five are not, according to the ministry. The syndicate's head was informed of the journalist's arrest and the circumstances surrounding it. The arrests come as the government steps up efforts to counter misinformation through faster official communication and proposed regulatory changes.
The Egyptian government has been focusing on improving public access to official information and countering misinformation. On 24 September, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs said the prime minister had directed officials to explain forthcoming legislation and ministerial performance to counter rumours. This effort is part of a broader strategy to address the spread of false information.
Recent government directives have emphasized the importance of providing accurate information promptly to prevent misinformation. On 31 August, Minister of State for Information Diaa Rashwan urged government spokespersons to provide accurate information promptly to prevent misinformation from filling information gaps. President El-Sisi also instructed the government to present its achievements, spending, and results publicly in October.
The Cabinet Media Centre reported a 113 percent increase in monitored rumours during January-June 2026 compared with a year earlier, largely linked to regional tensions. The government has been working to tighten social media regulation to address misinformation and manipulated content, with legislative changes under consideration. These efforts aim to prevent the spread of false information and promote a more accurate flow of information.
The Egyptian government continues to take steps to address the spread of misinformation and promote accurate information. The arrests of the six individuals accused of preparing fabricated news for the Matsda2sh online platform are part of these efforts. The government is working to implement new regulations and improve public access to official information to counter rumours and misinformation.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has arrested six individuals accused of preparing fabricated news for a Muslim Brotherhood-linked online platform.
- The government is stepping up efforts to counter misinformation through faster official communication and proposed regulatory changes.
- The Cabinet Media Centre reported a 113 percent increase in monitored rumours during January-June 2026 compared with a year earlier.
