Thursday March 28th, 2024
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Parliament Preliminarily Approves Draft Law Combatting Cybercrime

The government is finally setting its foot down when it comes to “malicious” online antics.

Staff Writer

Parliament Preliminarily Approves Draft Law Combatting Cybercrime

After a lengthy period of discussion within the halls of Parliament, the Cybercrime draft law has pretty much been passed pending two thirds of Parliament’s attendance. The law, which works to combat any and all semblance of online criminal activity, states that “anyone responsible for operating a website, private account, an email or an information system that encourages committing a crime will face at least one year of imprisonment and a fine between EGP 20 and 200 thousand.”

The law also works to punish those who encourage the act of committing a cybercrime, as well as those who (unintentionally) commit it as well. Those found guilty will face six months in prison at the very least, and a fine ranging anywhere between EGP 10 to 100 thousand. Several Parliamentarians have expressed supportive opinions regarding the law, with members like Bassam Fleifel voicing his concerns about the minimum age for using social media, saying how it should start at 18. Others were a bit more radical, such as the sentiment stated by President of Arab Affairs in parliament, Saad al-Gammal; “social media platforms need proper monitoring and disciplining, due to their role of destruction,” explaining that, “terrorist organizations use these websites to destroy stable countries.”

It’s undeniable that social media can be (and has been) used to dismal effect at any given time, what with terrorism recruitment efforts, illegal substance and weapon trading as well as the recent catastrophe that was the “Blue Whale” social media game. So one can only wait and see what comes out of the new law.

Main photo from Associated Press.