Egypt's law prohibits media outlets from broadcasting any content inciting violence or discrimination

CAIRO - 11 April 2026: Chapter Three of Law No. 180 of 2018, concerning the regulation of the press and media and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, defines the duties of journalists and media professionals.

 

Article 17 stipulates that journalists and media professionals must adhere to the principles and values ​​enshrined in the Constitution in their professional performance.

 

They must also comply with the provisions of the law, the professional code of ethics, and the editorial policy of the newspaper or media outlet with which they are contracted, as well as the ethics and traditions of the profession, without violating any citizens' rights or infringing upon their freedoms.

 

According to Article 18, without prejudice to the legal liability of the newspaper, media outlet, or website, journalists and media professionals are subject to disciplinary action before their syndicate if they violate their duties as stipulated in this law or the professional code of ethics, in accordance with the provisions of the Syndicate Law. This is without prejudice to the right of press and media institutions to apply the regulations governing disciplinary accountability for their employees.

 

Article 19 of the law also prohibits newspapers, media outlets, and websites from publishing or broadcasting false news, or anything that incites or encourages violations of the law, violence, or hatred, or that involves discrimination among citizens, promotes racism, includes defamation, slander, or insults against individuals, or denigrates the Abrahamic religions or religious beliefs.

 

The provisions of the preceding paragraph apply to any personal website, blog, or social media account with five thousand or more followers.

 

Without prejudice to the legal liability arising from violating the provisions of this article, the Supreme Council must take appropriate action regarding the violation, and may, for this purpose, suspend or block the aforementioned website, blog, or account by its decision. Those concerned may appeal such a decision before the Administrative Court.