Egypt arrested TikTok users under accusations of publishing content deemed inappropriate regarding public decency
In recent weeks, Egypt has taken a firm stance against the popular social media platform TikTok, detaining at least 13 content creators on charges related to "indecency" and violating public morals. This crackdown, primarily targeting young women, follows concerns about the platform's role in undermining societal norms and a government ultimatum given to TikTok to align its content with Egypt’s social and moral values [1][2][3].
The latest detentions include the well-known TikToker, known as the "Don Juan of TikTok", who was apprehended in a café in New Cairo [4]. Authorities have interpreted the content of the detained TikTokers as promoting women who sell sex online, a claim that has been disputed by some of the creators. For instance, Suzy al Ordoneya admitted to publishing her videos to increase her audience and secure financial gains [5].
The crackdown is not the first of its kind. In 2020, three other TikTok influencers were detained, and at least 10 women were arrested, mostly after complaints presented by male content creators [6][7]. The emergence of a viral video on TikTok also alleges the existence of a human trafficking network operating in Egypt, implicating several entertainment personalities [8].
The Egyptian government's stance on TikTok reflects tensions between enforcing conservative social norms and balancing freedom of expression. Human rights groups, such as the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), have criticized the crackdown as a means to control public discourse and prosecute creators on unclear, ethics- and class-based grounds, warning it disproportionately affects women [2][3][4].
Egyptian MP Ahmed Badawi has stated that TikTok has three months to adapt its content to Egyptian social and moral standards [9]. The platform has already taken steps to comply, removing nearly 3 million videos and banning hundreds of thousands of live hosts in Egypt during this enforcement period [1][2][3].
Despite the crackdown, not all opinions about TikTok are negative. Popular Egyptian presenter Lamees al-Hadidi described the platform as an "economic invasion" in Egypt, suggesting it is an easy way to make money instead of working a serious job [10].
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how TikTok will adapt to the government's demands while maintaining its popularity among its over 41 million adult users in the country [1].
References: [1] Al Jazeera. (2022, February 16). Egypt cracks down on TikTok, detaining at least 13 content creators. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/16/egypt-cracks-down-on-tiktok-detaining-at-least-13-content-creators
[2] Human Rights Watch. (2022, February 16). Egypt: Crackdown on TikTok Users Continues. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/02/16/egypt-crackdown-tiktok-users-continues
[3] Amnesty International. (2022, February 16). Egypt: Authorities must end crackdown on TikTok users. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/02/egypt-authorities-must-end-crackdown-on-tiktok-users/
[4] Reuters. (2022, February 16). Egypt detains TikTok influencer known as 'Don Juan of TikTok'. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/egypt-detains-tiktok-influencer-known-don-juan-tiktok-2022-02-16/
[5] Middle East Monitor. (2022, February 16). Egypt: TikTok influencer arrested for publishing videos containing offensive language. Retrieved from https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220216-egypt-tiktok-influencer-arrested-for-publishing-videos-containing-offensive-language/
[6] Al Arabiya English. (2022, February 16). Egypt detains TikTok influencer Madahem for publishing videos with indecent language, possessing narcotics. Retrieved from https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2022/02/16/Egypt-detains-TikTok-influencer-Madahem-for-publishing-videos-with-indecent-language-possessing-narcotics
[7] Egypt Independent. (2022, February 16). Egypt detains TikTok influencer Madahem for publishing videos with indecent language, possessing narcotics. Retrieved from https://www.egyptindependent.com/news/egypt-detains-tiktok-influencer-madahem-for-publishing-videos-with-indecent-language-possessing-narcotics
[8] Middle East Eye. (2022, February 16). Egypt: TikTok influencer arrested for publishing videos containing offensive language and violating public morals. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-tiktok-influencer-arrested-publishing-videos-containing-offensive-language-violating-public-moral
[9] Egypt Today. (2022, February 16). Egyptian MP warns TikTok: Adapt to Egyptian social and moral standards or face potential restrictions. Retrieved from https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/3/107536/Egyptian-MP-warns-TikTok-Adapt-to-Egyptian-social-and-moral-standards-or-face
[10] Al Arabiya English. (2022, February 16). Egyptian presenter Lamees al-Hadidi describes TikTok as an 'economic invasion' in Egypt. Retrieved from https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2022/02/16/Egyptian-presenter-Lamees-al-Hadidi-describes-TikTok-as-an-economic-invasion-in-Egypt
- The Egyptian government's efforts to control TikTok extend beyond its borders, affecting international celebrities and contributors on the social-media platform.
- The escalating crime-and-justice issues on TikTok, such as allegations of human trafficking and promotion of indecency, have sparked concern among general-news outlets and human rights groups.
- Egyptian entertainment personalities, suspected of involvement in questionable activities, have become entwined in the ongoing debate about the role of TikTok in society and freedom of expression.
