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Personal Data Protection Law No. 151

Egypt

2020

Privacy

Overview

Law No. 151 of 2020 is Egypt's first comprehensive data protection framework. It establishes legal rules for the collection, processing, storage, and transfer of personal data, and aims to align Egypt with international standards on privacy and data rights.

The law applies to banks, telecommunication providers, healthcare institutions, online platforms, government agencies, and all other organizations processing personal data in Egypt. It introduces principles of lawfulness, transparency, consent, and purpose limitation. Enforcement rests with the Personal Data Protection Center under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. However, as of 2025, the center has not been fully operationalized and key executive regulations remain pending.

Key Obligations

Obtain explicit consent before collecting or processing personal data
Process data for specified, legitimate, and clearly defined purposes
Grant individuals rights to access, correct, erase, or object to data processing
Apply enhanced safeguards for sensitive personal data

Restrict cross-border data transfers unless the receiving country provides adequate protection
Implement technical and organizational security measures
Comply with future executive regulations issued by the Personal Data Protection Center

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Related Regulations

Personal Data Protection Law No. 24

Law 18-07 Personal Data

PDPL Data Protection Law UAE

FAQ

Is the Personal Data Protection Center active in Egypt?

As of 2025, it has not been fully operationalized. Enforcement and implementation await executive regulations.

Does the law apply to companies outside Egypt?

Yes, if they process data related to individuals located in Egypt.

Are data transfers outside Egypt allowed?

Yes, but only to jurisdictions that provide adequate data protection or with regulatory approval.

What happens if companies violate this law?

Penalties may include administrative sanctions, suspension of data processing activities, or criminal fines.