Egypt Gives TikTok 3-Month Deadline to Align Content With National Values

Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) has issued a three-month ultimatum to TikTok to bring its content in line with Egypt’s social and moral values. The directive follows a high-level meeting between TikTok representatives and government officials, including NTRA head Mohamed Shamrouk and MP Ahmed Badawi [2]. The move comes amid growing public concerns over the platform’s influence, particularly its alleged role in undermining societal norms and the perceived negative portrayal of Egyptian women [1].

According to recent reports, Egyptian authorities have already taken action, including the arrest of at least eight TikTok content creators in recent weeks for offenses linked to “indecency” [5]. In response, TikTok revealed in its Q1 2025 report that it removed nearly 3 million videos in Egypt alone during the same period. The company also banned over 347,000 live hosts and interrupted more than 587,000 livestreams in the country for violating community guidelines [3]. Across Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, the UAE, and Morocco, TikTok reported removing over 16.5 million videos in the same timeframe, reflecting the scale of enforcement measures being undertaken regionally [4].

MP Ahmed Badawi emphasized that the government’s objective is not to ban TikTok but to establish content guidelines that reflect Egyptian societal values. He noted that while the government has the authority to shut down non-compliant platforms, tailored legislation and stricter regulation would offer a more sustainable approach than outright prohibition [2]. The Telecommunications and Information Technology Committee is currently examining potential legal frameworks to balance freedom of expression with public morality [2].

Analysts have highlighted the platform’s significant reach in Egypt, with 41.3 million users aged 18 and above as of early 2025, many of whom are women [2]. This widespread user base has intensified the debate over content regulation and the need for effective oversight mechanisms.

The ultimatum signals a broader global trend where governments are increasingly scrutinizing the content policies of major social media platforms. In Egypt, this regulatory effort aims to ensure digital content aligns with national identity and cultural norms, while also safeguarding users from harmful or inappropriate material.

Source:

[1] title1.............................(https://news.broadcastmediaafrica.com/2025/08/05/egypt-regulator-gives-tiktok-three-month-ultimatum-to-align-with-national-values/)

[2] title2.............................(https://digitaleconomymag.com/egypt-wants-tiktok-to-align-with-national-values/)

[3] title3.............................(https://www.instagram.com/p/DM7rWnjtm7Q/)

[4] title4.............................(https://www.instagram.com/p/DM7zPVsNEtO/)

[5] title5.............................(https://www.facebook.com/punchnewspaper/posts/1192838396213675/)