Egypt imposes strict penalties for spreading false news
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Loading... - Dennis Jamieson
- 31 Jul 2024
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The Egyptian government has taken a firm stance against the spread of false news and rumors, introducing severe penalties for those found guilty of intentionally disseminating misinformation.
According to the Egyptian Penal Code, individuals who spread false information about the country's internal affairs with the intent to undermine its financial stability or reputation can face up to five years in prison and substantial fines. Article 80(d) specifically states that anyone who intentionally spreads false news or rumors about the country's internal affairs abroad can be imprisoned for up to five years and fined.
Additionally, Article 102 imposes penalties for those who intentionally spread false news or rumors that could disturb public security or cause panic. The penalties are more severe if the crime is committed during wartime.
Article 188 also penalizes individuals who maliciously spread false news, fabricated or forged documents, or information falsely attributed to others, if such actions could disturb public peace, cause panic, or harm the public interest.
Constitutional law professor Abdullah El-Magazy warned against the dangers of spreading rumors on social media, highlighting the potential harm it can cause to society. He emphasized the legal penalties, including up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to 20,000 Egyptian pounds, for those who spread false information online.
El-Magazy noted that the anonymity of social media accounts and the availability of tools to create deepfakes contribute to the rapid spread of misinformation. Moreover, the lack of specialized centers to monitor and combat rumors during crises exacerbates the problem.
He explained that false news that disturbs public security is a crime punishable by law, requiring malicious intent to harm the public interest. El-Magazy categorized false news into several types, including fabricated content, forged content, misleading content, and satirical content that can be misleading.
Social media platforms have significantly contributed to the spread of false information, as users often share content without verifying its accuracy. Furthermore, unlicensed online news outlets and those operating outside the country often contribute to misinformation for the purpose of increasing traffic to their websites.
The Egyptian government's efforts to combat the spread of false news aim to protect the country's reputation and financial stability, as well as maintain public security and peace. By imposing strict penalties, the government hopes to deter individuals from spreading misinformation and promote a culture of accuracy and accountability.
