et guide: Law restrictions to press, media on broadcasting content inciting violence or discrimination

CAIRO - 3 June 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, the editorial policy of the newspaper or media outlet with which they are contracted, and the ethics and traditions of the profession, provided that this does not violate any citizen's rights or infringe upon their freedoms.

 

According to Article (18), without prejudice to the legal liability of the newspaper, media outlet, or website, a journalist or media professional is 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 or slander against individuals, or insults the Abrahamic religions or religious beliefs.

 

The provisions of the preceding paragraph apply to any personal website, blog, or social media account with 5,000 followers or more.

 

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 a decision issued by it.

 

Those concerned may appeal the decision issued in this regard before the Administrative Court.