EGYPT Law and Practice Contributed by: Ibrahim Shehata, Hesham Kamel, Hana ElBarbary and Dima Mazen, Shehata & Partners
• Fixed Misr; and • Misr for Central Clearing, Depository and Registry (MCDR). Fundamental Rights E-signatures and electronic documents in civil, commercial and administrative transactions have the same evidentiary effect as written signatures and official documents under Egyptian evidence law, provided the conditions of the E-Signature Law are met. Copies of official electronic docu - ments have the same evidential effect as the originals if backed up electronically. Data Protection The E-Signature Law enhances data protection for e-signatures. E-signature data and electronic information provided to a certified SP are con - fidential and must not be disclosed or used for unauthorised purposes. Intellectual Property The E-Signature Law supports IP rights, granting ITIDA the authority to register original copies of computer programs and databases to preserve IP rights and other associated rights. Jurisdiction ITIDA is responsible for licensing and supervis - ing e-signatures by: • issuing and renewing licences for e-signature services; • setting e-signature system standards; • handling complaints related to e-signature activities; • providing technical advice on disputes and IT activities; and • registering original copies of programs and databases.
ITIDA can revoke or suspend a licence if the cer - tified SP violates licensing conditions. Liability Mutual obligations on ITIDA and certified SPs ensure the legally binding effect of e-signatures and electronic seals. Certified SPs must obtain relevant licences from ITIDA and use them within their scope, issuing digital certificates for e-signa - tures and seals. Certificates must not exceed the validity of the certified SP’s licence. ITIDA must comply with the E-Signature Law and its execu - tive regulations when licensing certified SPs. There are currently no specific laws or regulations in Egypt that address the gaming industry. How - ever, it is expected that the SCMR will play a key role in overseeing video games. The SCMR is cur - rently drafting new legislation that will require any platform, including those offering video games, to obtain a legal licence before accessing mobile phone users. The goal of this regulation is to miti - gate the spread of harmful content that may be associated with certain games. Gambling Laws 9. Gaming Industry 9.1 Regulations Gaming Regulations Article 352 of the Egyptian Criminal Code pro - hibits traditional forms of gambling involving a physical place that could host clients. However, the legislative framework for online gambling remains unclear. In-Game Purchases, Loot Boxes and Gambling Currently there is no clear legislative framework for such matters, except to the extent that they could be subject to current laws and regulations
72
CHAMBERS.COM
Powered by FlippingBook