Egypt's government is preparing to amend the Penal Code to increase fines for spreading false news and rumours, as part of a broader plan to regulate social media. The Cabinet reviewed a report by a committee established under Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly's Decree No. 2417 of 2026. The committee examined measures to address harmful social media practices and safeguard Egyptian family values and social cohesion. The proposed amendments aim to regulate social media through new digital safety legislation, expanded technical monitoring, and public awareness campaigns.
The committee recommended establishing general rules for digital platforms through forthcoming digital safety legislation, alongside stronger state oversight. The proposed legislation aims to address risks associated with online platforms. An integrated national system will be established to identify and respond to content deemed in violation of applicable rules. The system will draw on the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation.
The committee proposed upgrading the NTRA's Content Unit into a national technical centre equipped with automated monitoring systems. The centre will detect violations and help identify those responsible. A proposed operations room will assess detected cases, distinguish individual incidents from organised or systematic practices, and recommend graduated responses. These responses could range from warnings to service suspension or blocking, followed by referrals to the relevant authorities.
The committee highlighted concerns about the use of artificial intelligence to generate fabricated content that could harm social values or the national economy. To address this, the government plans to launch awareness campaigns targeting schools, universities, and content creators. These campaigns aim to promote responsible digital behaviour and raise awareness of harmful online practices.
The Ministry of Education and Technical Education will work with educational and psychological experts to develop lessons addressing online risks, prevention, and reporting. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will organise awareness seminars at universities. Other institutions, including Al-Azhar, the Ministry of Awqaf, and the Coptic Orthodox Church, will also be involved in promoting responsible speech and conduct.
The proposed measures include text-message warnings about emerging digital risks and guidance for content creators on their legal obligations and the consequences of repeated violations. These measures follow new rules on children's social media use, announced in September. The Supreme Council for Media Regulation and the NTRA prohibited platforms from creating or activating independent personal accounts for children under 13.
The National Council for Human Rights called for digital safety measures to balance protection with privacy and children's rights to expression, participation, and access to knowledge. The council stated that children's best interests should remain central to policies governing their use of technology and digital platforms. The proposed amendments and additional measures have not yet been announced as enacted law.
Key points
- Egypt's government plans to increase fines for spreading false news and rumours as part of broader digital safety legislation.
- The proposed legislation aims to regulate social media through new digital safety measures, expanded technical monitoring, and public awareness campaigns.
- The government has not yet specified the proposed fines or announced a timetable for introducing the amendments.
