The Egyptian House of Representatives is currently reviewing a draft law proposed by several members to regulate social media platforms, including a proposal to establish a dedicated Egyptian national platform.
The bill, submitted by MP Mohamed al-Haddad and 60 other lawmakers—meeting the constitutional requirement of at least one-tenth of the Council’s members—has been referred to a joint committee of the Communications and Information Technology Committee and the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee for formal study.
A national alternative for digital security
A central pillar of the project is the creation of a national Egyptian social media platform designed to rival global giants like Facebook.
Proponents argue the move will enhance digital security, protect user data, and offer an integrated digital experience within a secure national framework.
Under the proposal, the government would be mandated to launch this national platform.
Furthermore, the draft law seeks to impose new requirements on global tech companies operating in Egypt, including:
- Local presence: Mandatory official headquarters within Egypt.
- Legal representation: The appointment of a legal representative to engage with state institutions.
- Data sovereignty: Local data storage requirements and a ban on transferring user data abroad.
Protecting minors and content regulation
The bill introduces strict content controls, including penalties for publishing material that violates public decency.
A significant safety measure proposed is prohibiting users under the age of 16 from joining social media platforms, aimed at shielding minors from digital risks.
Enforcement and penalties
To ensure compliance, the draft law outlines a graduated scale of penalties for platforms. In cases of severe or repeated violations, sanctions could escalate to blocking non-compliant websites within Egypt.
A broader push for digital safety
The regulation of social media, particularly concerning children, has become a high-priority issue in Egypt.
This bill follows recent parliamentary discussions regarding a total ban on social media use for minors.
Simultaneously, government agencies have announced plans to issue specialized SIM cards for minors, which would restrict access to age-appropriate, safe content and block harmful digital practices.
