Egypt Launches Broad Crackdown on Online Content Creators, sparking Rights Concerns
Cairo – Egyptian authorities are conducting a widespread crackdown on online content creators, notably targeting women, over content deemed to violate “societal values,” raising alarm among human rights organizations. The campaign, amplified by pro-government media, has led to arrests, legal complaints, and threats of a TikTok ban.
the crackdown centers on accusations of ”money laundering” and “promoting vice and debauchery.” Several lawyers have filed complaints with the public prosecutor against content creators, with one complaint in July reportedly signed by 32 lawyers targeting 10 creators, eight of whom are women. Egyptian law allows citizens to initiate complaints regarding perceived offenses impacting public safety or morals, leaving the public prosecutor to decide on investigation and potential indictment.
Ahmed Badawy, a member of the House of Representatives’ Telecommunications Committee, stated on august 2nd that TikTok could be banned in egypt if the platform fails to “eliminate content… in order to respect societal values.”
Human Rights Watch has condemned the targeting of women based on their appearance or activities like dancing as discriminatory, violating international human rights law, including the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.The actions are occurring despite protections for free expression enshrined in the Egyptian Constitution and international covenants like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the UN Convention on the rights of the Child. International law mandates that any restrictions on free expression be proportionate, clearly defined, and necessary to protect legitimate interests like national security or public health. Furthermore, the definition of ”morality” must reflect societal diversity and not be based solely on specific traditions or beliefs.
The UN Human Rights Committee has affirmed that freedom of expression extends to online platforms and that limitations must adhere to global human rights principles and avoid discrimination.
“The Egyptian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested for exercising their right to free speech online and drop the charges against them,” said [Name – Magdi, as referenced in the text]. “The authorities should also repeal all laws restricting the right to privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom of belief in the name of morality.”
