Introduction
These crimes transcend borders, exemplifying a pervasive global prevalence.
Examining Egypt's legal response to online sexual coercion reveals a multifaceted
approach initiated in 2002 with the establishment of the Internet Investigation Service,
designed to receive reports on Internet crimes(5). The Egyptian Constitution of 2014
underscored the importance of information security, leading to the enactment of laws
criminalizing such acts(6). Additionally, in 2014, a Egyptian Supreme Cybersecurity Council (ESCC) was established, tasked with developing a national strategy against cyber
threats and overseeing its implementation in line with technological developments(7).
The 2017 National Cybersecurity Strategy further addressed emerging threats and
outlined a comprehensive plan for the years 2017-2021, emphasizing the protection of
information and communications infrastructure(8).
In 2018, the legal framework was reinforced with the issuance of Law No. 175, specifically
targeting information technology crimes. This law included articles (25 and 26) that delineated various forms of blackmail and the corresponding legal punishments. Article 25
addressed acts such as infringing upon family principles, violating privacy, and sending
many electronic messages without consent, while Article 26 focused on the intentional
use of information programs or in a detrimental way to the reputation of others (9). Subsequently, in 2021, the Ministry of Interior took a proactive step by establishing information
technology departments in security directorates nationwide to facilitate citizens' reporting of cybercrimes(10). Despite these legal advancements, official data on online extortion in Egypt remains unavailable, prompting the initiation of the current study by
Tadwein for Gender Studies.
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