It would provide mandatory permits to new electronic news sites, determine whether the site can broadcast to smart phones, and evaluate content of news articles. The draft law also determines that for a news site to receive the necessary permit, a shareholder company must be created with capital of at least half a million Egyptian pounds. Additionally, digital broadcasting without the necessary permit can result in a fine between a quarter million and half million Egyptian pounds.
These conditions for the creation and activities of media institutions will create a controlled media, says Ahmed Kheir, manager of the NGO Support for Information Technology Center. Kheir added that the implementation of this law would hinder the creation of new digital media sources that can play an important role in exposing corruption.
Media consultant Yasser Abdel Aziz emphasized that the journalists’ syndicate in Egypt must decide if “it is another elitist group that receives privileges from the state…or it is a professional organization that guarantees rights to all who work in a licensed institution.” Journalist Ehab al-Zallaqy pointed out that the state aims to control the media and there must be a desire for real independent media before new media regulations can successfully organize, reform, and develop media channels.
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