No, using fake names on social media in Egypt is illegal under Law No. 175 of 2018 on Cybercrime and the 2024 amendments to the Penal Code. Authorities enforce strict identity verification on platforms, penalizing impersonation or fraudulent accounts with fines up to EGP 500,000 or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Using Fake Names on Social Media in Egypt
- Law No. 175 of 2018 (Cybercrime Law): Article 25 criminalizes the creation or use of fake accounts to impersonate others or disseminate false information, punishable by imprisonment and fines. The National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) monitors compliance.
- 2024 Penal Code Amendments: Article 307 bis introduces stricter penalties for digital impersonation, including up to 3 years imprisonment for accounts used to commit fraud or defamation. Courts now prioritize digital evidence.
- Platform Accountability: Social media platforms operating in Egypt must comply with the NTRA’s 2023 directives requiring real-name registration for users. Non-compliance risks license revocation under the Telecommunications Regulation Law No. 10 of 2003.
Violations are prosecuted under the State Security Prosecution or Public Prosecution, with cases often linked to broader investigations into cybercrime or national security threats. Foreign platforms must adhere to local data localization requirements (Article 19 of Law No. 175), further exposing non-compliant accounts to legal action.