Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) has issued TikTok a three-month ultimatum to align its content with the country’s social and moral standards.
According to Ahram Online, this decision follows a prominent meeting between TikTok’s representatives for Egypt and North Africa, the head of the NTRA, Mohamed Shamrouk, and members of the Telecommunications Committee in the House of Representatives. MP Ahmed Badawi, who serves on this committee, highlighted the need for the deadline amid rising public concern over the platform’s content.
Critics have accused TikTok of spreading material that undermines societal values and tarnishes the image of Egyptian women. As of early 2025, analysts reported approximately 41.3 million TikTok users aged 18 and older in Egypt, with 35.8% female and 64.2% male.
While Badawi acknowledged the government’s legal right to ban platforms that violate national laws, he stressed the importance of implementing stricter regulations and tailored legislation rather than resorting to outright bans. He argued that instead of prohibiting such platforms, establishing criteria that reflect Egyptian society’s values is more effective.
Additionally, the Telecommunications and Information Technology Committee is actively exploring legal frameworks to regulate digital platforms, aiming to balance safeguarding freedom of expression and upholding public morality.
“We’ve received numerous complaints about videos that breach community standards, and extensive social media campaigns have called for the complete shutdown of the TikTok app. However, the emphasis should be on educating users about the risks rather than banning the app altogether,” Badawi explained.
He reiterated that these initiatives are designed to “uphold Egyptian values and identity by fostering content that resonates with societal norms and customs.”
