Egypt Intensifies Crackdown on Online Creators, Sparking Free Speech Alarms

Egyptian authorities have launched a sweeping campaign of arrests and prosecutions against online content creators, drawing sharp criticism from human rights organizations. The crackdown, which began in July 2025, has targeted individuals for content deemed to violate "public morals" and "family values," raising serious concerns about freedom of expression in the country.

Key Takeaways

At least 29 individuals, including women and a child, have been arrested or prosecuted for online content since late July.
Charges include "violating public morals," "undermining family values," and "money laundering," often stemming from social media videos.
Human Rights Watch condemns the campaign as an attempt to stifle free expression and criminalize non-conformist views.
The government is utilizing vague cybercrime and penal code laws, granting broad discretion to prosecutors.

Widespread Arrests and Vague Charges

Human Rights Watch reports that Egyptian authorities have arrested or prosecuted at least 29 people between late July and late August for their online activities. The targets include belly dancers, tattoo artists, and social media influencers, with charges often centering on "indecent" videos posted on platforms like TikTok. These charges, such as violating "public morals" and "undermining family values," are frequently applied under Egypt’s Cybercrime Law, which carries potential prison sentences of up to three years.

Targeting Vulnerable Groups

The crackdown has disproportionately affected young people and women. A 16-year-old girl was reportedly sentenced to two years in prison for posting dancing videos, while a popular TikTok creator with millions of followers was detained on charges of offending public decency and money laundering. The authorities have also targeted individuals based on their appearance or perceived gender non-conformity, further exacerbating concerns about discrimination.

Erosion of Free Expression

Amr Magdi, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated that the campaign appears designed to "quell the last vestige of space for free expression in the country." He added that the government is relentlessly attempting to criminalize any expression that deviates from its political or social viewpoints. The broad and vaguely defined laws used in these prosecutions allow prosecutors and judges significant discretion, leading to arbitrary enforcement.

International Law and Calls for Release

Human Rights Watch emphasizes that these actions violate fundamental rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and non-discrimination, which are protected by both the Egyptian Constitution and international human rights law. The organization urges Egyptian authorities to drop all charges against those arrested for exercising their right to free speech online and to repeal laws that restrict these freedoms in the name of morality. The campaign has also seen pro-government media and lawyers filing complaints against content creators, fueling the ongoing pressure.