Egypt pushes for TikTok content to align with local values and morals
But will TikTok comply?
Egypt is the latest country putting TikTok on notice. The country’s telecoms regulator has given the platform three months to fall in line with “societal and moral values,” after mounting complaints about what officials call a growing wave of inappropriate and culturally offensive videos.
This comes after a closed-door meeting between TikTok reps and Egypt’s telecom authority, alongside lawmakers who clearly weren’t amused. MP Ahmed Badawi, part of the Telecommunications Committee, said Egypt isn’t trying to ban the app outright. What they want is more control, something that reflects the country’s cultural norms.
It’s not surprising, really. TikTok’s popularity in Egypt has soared, with over 41 million users aged 18 and above. Reports show that men make up about 64.2% of its ad audience, while women account for 35.8%. But as the platform’s grown, so has the backlash. Critics say some videos are disrespectful to Egyptian women and spread messages that clash with public morality. Just last week, eight creators were arrested. The interior ministry pointed to things like obscene language and “misuse” of social media as the reason.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
Thing is, this tension between Egypt and social media platforms isn’t new. Back in 2020, women posting dance and lifestyle videos were also targeted. And even before that, the government had already passed laws to treat any social media account with more than 5,000 followers like a media outlet, which means the state can monitor and regulate it just like it does with newspapers or TV stations.
They’ve also temporarily blocked platforms like Twitter (now X), and even messaging apps like Signal whenever things got too politically charged. It’s all part of a wider push to control what’s said online and who gets to say it.
TikTok is the latest platform facing pressure. What’s different now is how big TikTok’s reach has become and how hard it is to keep that influence in check.
It’s a familiar story over in Pakistan, where TikTok has been banned and unbanned more than once over ‘immoral’ content. But just like Egypt, the conversation seems to be shifting, from blocking the app outright to figuring out how to regulate it without completely shutting people down.
The bigger question is whether TikTok is willing or able to adapt. Global reach is rapidly being sacrificed for regulations. Egypt’s deadline might just set the tone for how the app operates across other conservative countries.
