Egyptian authorities are reportedly taking the first steps towards banning internet pornography.
According to the Egypt Independent, the country’s Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology minister Mohamed Salem, recently announced the formation of a new committee to evaluate the feasibility of such a ban.
In February, a member of the conservative Al-Nour party, Dr Younis Makhioun, proposed a blanket ban on internet pornography. Makhioun has called on Egyptians to adhere to religious values and take a stand against pornography. He believes pornography, amongst other things, is responsible for the increase in the number of divorce and rape cases.
Minister Salem believes pornography “is becoming persistent and worrying to families”.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s Parliamentary Committee for Transportation and Telecommunications has directed local internet service providers to block inappropriate content or face penalties.
Egypt is going through a tumultuous time in setting up their new constitution following last year’s uprisings and the ousting of former president Hosni Mubarak.
Nico Gous
