A critical assessment of the impact of Egyptian laws on information access and dissemination by journalists

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of Egyptian journalists through the “Anti-Cyber and Information Technology Crimes Law No. 175 of 2018” and the “Personal Data Protection Law No. 151” as well as its implications for journalistic practice and press freedom in Egypt. More specifically, the focal point of the study was to explore how the government monitors the data through new legislation. Questionnaires were undertaken with 188 journalists representing semi-governmental and private newspapers, divided into three categories: (86) Al-Ahrām (34) Albawabhnews (53) Al-Dustour and (15) Al Fagr. The study used Digital Authoritarianism Theory as a theoretical framework. The study revealed that the government placed restrictions on journalists by using Law No. 175 of 2018 to oppress journalists and media houses. In addition, the law has negatively impacted media freedom and given the government to censor online information.