Egypt Moves to Regulate Social Media Content Creators

Minister of State for Information Diaa Rashwan met with around 70 Egyptian content creators and social media influencers on Sunday, 1 November , to discuss the future of the country’s digital content sector, including the possibility of establishing an organizing framework, defining professional standards and improving access to official information.

The meeting comes days after the Cabinet reviewed recommendations to introduce new measures addressing harmful social media practices, including proposed amendments to increase fines for offences involving false news and rumours, as well as preparations for a digital safety law.

During Sunday’s meeting, participants called for the establishment of an Egyptian umbrella organization for content creators that would set professional and ethical standards and regulate their relationship with established media institutions.

They also proposed developing a clearer definition of the term “content creator” and establishing criteria to distinguish professional creators from the wider population of social media users.

Rashwan said the government would not establish a syndicate for influencers, but noted that content creators could form their own association or umbrella organization in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

He added that the ministry was considering ways to support the sector and establish communication channels between professional content creators and information sources within ministries and other official institutions, allowing them to produce content based on verified information.

The minister also said the government was working on a Freedom of Information Law for all citizens, in line with the Constitution, and announced plans to hold Egypt’s first national forum for content creators and influencers in early 2027.

A Wider Push to Regulate Digital Content

The discussions come amid growing government attention to regulating Egypt’s digital environment.

On 28 October, the Cabinet reviewed a report by a committee established under Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly’s Decree No. 2417 of 2026, tasked with examining legislative and technical measures to address negative social media practices and safeguard Egyptian family values and social cohesion.

Among the recommendations was preparing amendments to the Penal Code to increase fines for offences involving rumours and false news. The report also addressed preparations for a digital safety law, stronger technical monitoring of online platforms and public awareness campaigns.

The government has not announced the proposed fine amounts or a timetable for introducing the amendments.

The latest discussions also come against the backdrop of existing legislation governing online content. Egypt’s Law No. 180 of 2018 on the Regulation of the Press and Media and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation requires personal websites, blogs and social media accounts with at least 5,000 followers to comply with provisions prohibiting the publication of false news and other specified content. The law gives the Supreme Council for Media Regulation the authority to take action against violations, including suspending or blocking accounts.

What Content Creators Are Asking For

Beyond professional recognition and regulation, participants raised several practical challenges facing the industry.

These included difficulties obtaining permission to film in public spaces and streets, access to production facilities and equipment, and protection of intellectual property rights when dealing with international digital platforms.

They also called for identification cards to facilitate their work, advanced professional training and greater consideration for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.

Some participants suggested that television channels incorporate engaging digital content to attract younger audiences, while expressing their willingness to produce material promoting Egypt’s tourism, economy, culture and history.

The meeting was the eighth in a series of consultations Rashwan has held with representatives of Egypt’s media and communications sector. The seven previous meetings brought together approximately 250 media professionals and officials from state-owned, private and party-affiliated media institutions, as well as press and media syndicates.

Rashwan described digital content as an increasingly important tool in shaping and reflecting public opinion, adding that it could complement professional media when produced according to appropriate professional standards.