A debate has erupted in Egypt as parliamentarian Essam Diab reignited calls for a complete ban on the popular video-sharing platform, TikTok.
The platform has been a focal point for controversy around the globe, with at least 19 countries partially or fully banning it, citing concerns ranging from data privacy to the impact on social values.
Egypt now seems poised to join their ranks, driven by fears that TikTok is eroding societal values and exposing teenagers and young adults to harmful content.
With its free-flowing videos that cater to entertainment, education, and self-expression, the app has created a virtual haven for millions, mainly among younger generations. However, videos promoting indecency, crude humor, and even risky challenges have drawn the ire of lawmakers and parents alike. Such content, they argue, is not only harmful to teenagers, but it also undermines the moral fabric of Egyptian society.
In an official statement, MP Essam Diab, who has recently submitted a motion to the Parliament to completely ban TikTok in Egypt, said that TikTok’s unreserved content includes a proliferation of inappropriate material that clashes with the dominant conservative culture of the country.
“TikTok has become a tool for spreading ideas and behaviours that contradict our values and traditions. It has created a platform for acts that would be unacceptable in public spaces, yet they are glorified online,” Diab said.
He pointed to TikTok’s role in enabling what he describes as “the commodification of morality.”
“The app’s monetisation system, which rewards creators based on views, has encouraged a culture of sensationalism. Content creators seeking fame or financial gain are increasingly willing to push boundaries, and this has had its bad impact on youth behaviour,” Diab said.
Echoing these concerns, Marwa Abdel Aziz, 53-year-old lady, said: “I feel like this app is making our younger generations lose focus and, worse, become obsessed with fleeting trends rather than studying or doing anything of value.” She described the app as a “disease that needs to be treated through by being banned.”
Over the past few years, Egyptian authorities have reported an increase in cases of cyberbullying, fraud, and exploitation linked to the TikTok app.
Some young content creators have been arrested and prosecuted for posting videos deemed inappropriate, highlighting the ongoing tension between freedom of expression and societal norms.
The call for a ban is not new in Egypt. In 2020, the country briefly blocked TikTok, and since then, regulatory oversight has tightened. However, the app continues to operate, yet under increasing scrutiny. Proponents of the ban believe that mere regulation is insufficient.
“The platform’s unchecked content undermines efforts to preserve Egypt’s cultural identity. This is not just about one app. It is about protecting our youth from falling prey to ideas and behaviours that threaten our society,” a professor of sociology at Ain Shams University said.
However, the proposed ban has also sparked debate about freedom of expression and the role of technology in modern society. Critics claim that banning TikTok may not address the root causes of societal issues and could stifle creativity and innovation.
“Many Egyptian creators have found success on TikTok, using it as a platform to showcase talent, promote businesses, and share educational content,” Information Technology Expert Mohamed Awad said.
“It is more effective to educate young people about the responsible use of social media rather than resorting to censorship,” he added.
Awad also questioned the effectiveness of bans in the digital age, noting that users often find ways to bypass restrictions through VPNs or alternative platforms. Instead of outright prohibition, Awad advocated for stricter content oversight, parental control, and digital literacy programmes to help young users navigate the online world responsibly.
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