Egypt toughens Internet control

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has enacted a law to boost Internet control in his country.

This law allows authorities to legally block websites considered a threat to national security or the Egyptian economy.

Those responsible for the websites in question now incur jail sentences or fines.

More than 500 websites have already been blocked in the country.

In July, the Egyptian parliament passed a bill authorizing the state to monitor users of social networks. This law remains to be promulgated by the head of state.

According to the authorities, these measures are necessary to toughen the fight against terrorism.

Human rights defenders accuse the Egyptian government of wanting to crush political dissent in the country with these measures.