Egypt’s telecom regulator has issued a three-month ultimatum to TikTok to ensure its content complies with the country’s “societal and moral values,” responding to rising complaints about inappropriate and culturally offensive videos. This follows a closed-door meeting between TikTok representatives, Egypt’s telecom authority, and lawmakers, where concerns over the platform’s impact on cultural norms were emphasized.
MP Ahmed Badawi, a member of the Telecommunications Committee, clarified that Egypt is not seeking an outright ban but demands greater control to reflect national values. TikTok’s user base in Egypt has surged to over 41 million adults, predominantly male (64.2%), contributing to its growing influence and scrutiny. Critics argue that some content disrespects Egyptian women and conflicts with public morality, with eight creators recently arrested on charges linked to obscene language and misuse of social media.
This move echoes Egypt’s broader history of regulating social media, including laws that treat accounts with over 5,000 followers as media outlets, subjecting them to state oversight. The government has also temporarily blocked platforms like Twitter (now X) and messaging apps such as Signal during politically sensitive periods, reflecting a wider agenda to control online discourse.
Across Africa, TikTok’s challenges are escalating. Senegal has imposed an indefinite ban on the platform amid political unrest, marking its first African suspension, driven by political rather than regulatory concerns.
Similar tensions exist in Pakistan, where TikTok has faced multiple bans over ‘immoral’ content. Both Egypt and Pakistan are shifting focus from outright bans to regulatory frameworks that seek to balance cultural sensitivities with digital freedom.
The critical question remains whether TikTok can adapt to these demands. As Egypt’s deadline approaches, it may signal a precedent for how the platform navigates regulations in other conservative markets, balancing its global reach against local cultural expectations.
