Egypt: President signed Law No. 175 of 2018 on Anti-Cyber and Information Technology Crimes including content moderation

On 14 August 2018, the President endorsed the text for Law No. 175 of 2018 on Anti-Cyber and Information Technology Crimes. The law has been published in the Official Gazette and is set to come into force on 15 August 2018. The law introduces content moderation regulation, allowing authorities to block websites displaying content that jeopardises national security or the economy (Article 7). It also criminalises the creation of fake websites, emails, or private accounts that defame individuals or entities, with penalties including imprisonment and fines (Article 24).