Prime Minister Warns Against Growing Disinformation, Calls for Stronger Measures Against Rumor Spreaders

Security officers monitor a press conference in Cairo, Egypt, where the Prime Minister addressed growing concerns about disinformation and its impact on national security. (Photo: Reuters)

Egypt’s Prime Minister has issued a stark warning about the rising tide of disinformation circulating across social media platforms, calling for enhanced measures to combat what he described as “deliberate attempts to destabilize public confidence.”

Speaking at a weekly cabinet meeting in Cairo on Tuesday, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s growing concern over false information targeting state institutions and economic policies, particularly as Egypt navigates challenging economic reforms.

“We are witnessing a coordinated campaign of rumors and fabricated news designed to undermine public trust in essential national projects and economic initiatives,” the Prime Minister said. “These malicious attempts to spread disinformation represent a direct threat to national security and economic stability.”

The warning comes amid Egypt’s implementation of difficult economic measures, including currency devaluation and subsidy reforms, as part of its agreement with the International Monetary Fund. These reforms, while necessary for long-term stability, have contributed to rising inflation and living costs for many Egyptians.

Government analysis has tracked a 37% increase in false economic claims circulating on social media platforms over the past six months. Officials say many of these fabrications specifically target infrastructure projects and foreign investment initiatives critical to Egypt’s economic recovery plan.

The Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Interior and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to identify sources of disinformation and take appropriate legal action against individuals and organizations responsible for creating or distributing false information.

“Those who deliberately spread destructive rumors that harm the national interest will face the full force of the law,” he emphasized, citing existing legislation that criminalizes the dissemination of false news that endangers public security.

Digital rights advocates have expressed concern about potential overreach in enforcing anti-rumor measures. Hisham Kassem, director of the Cairo-based Digital Rights Foundation, urged caution in implementation.

“While combating genuinely harmful disinformation is legitimate, the government must ensure these efforts don’t restrict legitimate free speech or critical discourse,” Kassem told reporters following the announcement.

The cabinet meeting also approved a new media literacy initiative to be implemented through educational institutions and public awareness campaigns. The program aims to equip citizens with skills to identify unreliable information sources and verify claims before sharing content on social platforms.

Egypt’s Information and Decision Support Center will establish a specialized unit to monitor disinformation trends and provide rapid response to false claims about government policies and economic indicators. This unit will publish regular fact-checking reports through official channels and mainstream media outlets.

Media experts note that Egypt’s battle against disinformation reflects a broader regional challenge. Several Middle Eastern governments have recently intensified efforts to combat false information, particularly related to economic policies and public health.

“The digital information environment has transformed how citizens consume news, often bypassing traditional verification processes,” said Dr. Naglaa El-Emary, professor of media studies at Cairo University. “Governments across the region are struggling to balance legitimate security concerns with respect for free expression.”

Business leaders have generally welcomed the government’s focus on combating economic disinformation. Ahmed El-Sewedy, head of the Federation of Egyptian Industries, emphasized how false economic information directly impacts investment decisions.

“Rumors about currency restrictions or policy changes can trigger market panic and capital flight,” El-Sewedy said. “Addressing this problem is essential for maintaining investor confidence in Egypt’s economic trajectory.”

The Prime Minister concluded by calling on media organizations, civil society, and citizens to participate in a “national effort to uphold truth and accuracy” in public discourse, emphasizing that economic stability depends on a foundation of reliable information.