Yes, recording phone calls in Egypt is legal under strict conditions outlined by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and the Penal Code. Consent from at least one party is mandatory, and recordings must not infringe on privacy or public order. Unauthorized interception or disclosure of communications is criminalized under Articles 309–311 of the Penal Code, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. The TRA enforces compliance through licensing agreements with telecom operators, ensuring adherence to Law No. 10 of 2003 on Telecommunications and its amendments.
Key Regulations for Recording Phone Calls in Egypt
- Consent Requirement: Article 309 of the Penal Code mandates that at least one party must consent to the recording. Recording without any party’s knowledge is prohibited and punishable by law.
- Purpose Limitation: Recordings must serve legitimate purposes, such as evidence in legal disputes or business transactions. Misuse, such as for blackmail or defamation, attracts severe penalties under Article 310.
- Data Protection Compliance: The Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 151 of 2020) applies to recorded calls containing personal data. Entities must ensure secure storage and lawful processing, with TRA oversight for telecom-related data.
Violations may trigger investigations by the Cybercrime Unit of the Ministry of Interior or the TRA, leading to administrative fines or criminal prosecution. Businesses operating in Egypt must align call-recording practices with these regulations to avoid liability.