No, swearing in public in Egypt is not legal under the Penal Code (Law No. 58 of 1937) and Law No. 10 of 2018 on Combating Information Technology Crimes. Public obscenity, including profanity, violates public decency and may result in fines or detention. The Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) and Ministry of Interior enforce these provisions, with digital spaces now scrutinized under cybercrime laws.
Key Regulations for Swearing in Public in Egypt
- Penal Code (Article 306): Criminalizes public obscenity, including swearing, with penalties of up to 6 months imprisonment or fines up to EGP 3,000. Repeat offenses may escalate sanctions.
- Law No. 10 of 2018 (Cybercrime Law): Extends liability to online platforms; posting profanity on social media can trigger fines up to EGP 500,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years.
- SCMR Guidelines (2024-2026): Mandate proactive monitoring of digital content, requiring platforms to remove offensive material within 24 hours or face legal action under the 2018 law.
Enforcement prioritizes high-traffic areas (e.g., Cairo’s Tahrir Square) and viral social media content. Foreign nationals are not exempt; diplomatic immunity does not cover public disorder offenses. Courts often consider intent, context, and prior convictions when determining penalties.