Egypt Drafts Dedicated AI Law to Govern Use of the Technology

The rules that apply today

The Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020 sets principles for collecting, processing, storing and transferring personal and sensitive data. A 2021 regulatory framework covers the establishment of data centers. The Information Technology Crimes Law No. 175 of 2018 provides the legal basis for tackling cybercrime and sets the related penalties.

Consumers are protected by Law No. 181 of 2018, which addresses unfair commercial practices, including trade conducted in cyberspace. The Telecommunications Regulation Law No. 10 of 2003 governs the telecom sector and frames the security of digital communications.

In finance, the 2022 law regulating and developing the use of financial technology in non-banking financial activities includes provisions on using AI to process consumer data. This reflects Egypt's move to deploy the technology in strategic sectors such as financial services. The electronic signature law of 2004 and intellectual property legislation round out the framework, protecting rights tied to content and technological innovation.

Why a separate law

The push for a standalone law stems from the growing use of AI and the need for specialized legislation that regulates its applications and sets controls on its governance and use. No timetable for approval was given.