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The policies, politics, and tech shaping the MENA+
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The National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) was established in accordance with the provisions of Telecom Regulation Law No. 10/ 2003 as the national authority competent to regulate and administer the telecommunications sector.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is the government body responsible for information and communications technology issues.
ITIDA plays a pivotal function in developing the local IT industry through custom-tailored programs; policy advice and implementation; trade promotion in regional and global markets; and strategic advisory services to domestic SMEs and multinational corporations.
The National Committee for Child Online Protection was launched in June 2013 and follows the path of the National e-Safety Working Group, which was active between October 2009 and January 2012.
Operates a helpline to assist individuals at risk which offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to emergency and support organizations.
Operates a helpline to assist individuals at risk which offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to emergency and support organizations.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) endeavors to promote the development of the ICT infrastructure and digital services of government entities as one of its key priorities.
ICT 2030 strategy supports the development of the communications sector both regionally and internationally by designing new initiatives such as the electronics design and manufacturing and capacity building to maximize ICT contributions to the economic growth of the country.
With technological innovations playing a catalytic role in driving the economy and the rapid uptake of ICTs,
e-commerce is increasingly becoming an imperative for more inclusive economic growth and competitiveness in
developing countries.
Regulates the roles of the government agencies, private sector, businesses and civil society in maintaining cybersecurity protocols
Summarizes the key fiscal and monetary measures to mitigate the economic and public health fallout of the Coronavirus pandemic
E-Commerce Laws
Created the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) to support the IT industry and issue certification authority licenses for e-signatures. Ensures that certified e-signatures are recognized as legitimate and secures the internet as a legal medium for online financial activities.
Cyber Security Laws
Empowers the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to block websites considered to be a threat to national security or the national economy and imposes prison sentences on online content creators found to be inciting violence or creating fake news.
Online Content Laws
Requires media outlets, including websites and social media accounts with more than 5,000 followers, to obtain a license from the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR). Grants the SCMR broad discretion to censor or block content found to meet prohibitions such as content that violates public order or morals, professional ethics, perpetuates fake news, is defamatory, or incites discrimination, violence, extremism.
Empowers authorities to remove content that promotes terrorism, extreme ideologies and includes stipulations prohibiting the “exchange of information relating to the actions or movement of terrorists or terrorist groups domestically and abroad”.
Data Privacy Laws
Broadly modelled after GDPR, the draft includes restrictions on collecting data without user permission, limitations on the use of data, cross border transfers, duty to report data breaches. Licenses to collect data may cost up to $115,000 and all companies must appoint a data protection lead. Expected to come into effect in 2020.
Emerging Tech Laws
Mandates ride-hailing apps to conduct background checks, regulates type of cars allowed and customer data-sharing protocols in order to operate. All ridesharing companies must obtain five-year renewable licenses costing $1.71 million and drivers must hold a special permit. Companies must temporarily retain and share data with government authorities upon request.
