Digital-ID in Egypt: Country Report

A push for biometric digital-ID in Egypt is taking place despite a regulatory framework that lacks safeguards to ensure the programme does not infringe on people’s privacy and fundamental rights, and exclude their access to essential services. In particular, regulations to ensure protection of people’s privacy and data in the biometric digital-ID system, independent oversight over how their information is handled, and the availability of adequate redress and accountability mechanisms are lacking.

This report sets out to address the following questions:

• What is the current state of the national ID system and digital-ID in Egypt?
• What is the existing legislative framework relevant to digital-ID in the country and to what extent it is in line with international human rights standards?

The report was compiled using desk research based on reports from civil society groups, media reports, and a review of government documents and regulations. The assessment was based on parameters set by the Centre for Internet and Society for assessing digital-ID programmes against rule of law, rights-based, and risk-based tests.