President Sisi ratifies law tightening control over the internet

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi signed a new law that

tightens the control over internet websites.

The legislation on "cybercrime" means websites can be blocked in Egypt

if deemed to constitute a threat to national security or the economy.

The law states that anyone found guilty of running, or just visiting,

such sites could face prison or a fine. The Egyptian Authorities say

the new measures are needed to tackle instability and terrorism.

It comes as no surprise that an internet filtering law has been

signed. The Egyptian social media has been a source of discomfort

among many Egyptians, with many controversial trends circulating

lately, most notably The On the Run coffee incident, which caused

controversy within the Egyptian society.

The Cairo-based Association of Freedom of Thought and Expression said

more than 500 websites had already been blocked in Egypt prior to the

new law being signed.