What Is Considered an Adequate Level of Data Protection in Egypt?
Jha Arunima CIPP(E)
Specialized Counsel in TMT, IP Governance, Sports Law, Private Equity & M&A | Data Privacy | Animal Advocacy | Ex-BookMyShow, LLM & MBA (Finance) | Author & Career Counselor. Book a paid career counseling call today.
Egypt mandates that any country receiving personal data from Egypt must have an equivalent or higher level of data protection than Egypt’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). This means businesses cannot transfer personal data freely to any jurisdiction that does not meet these stringent standards.
Additionally, cross-border transfers require explicit approval from the Egyptian Data Protection Authority (DPA) under Articles 14-16 of the PDPL. Without this permit, companies could face penalties for unauthorized?data?movement.
When Is Personal Data Transfer Allowed?
Egyptian law provides limited exemptions where data transfers are permitted without prior DPA approval, including:
? Explicit Consent – The data subject must provide written consent before data is transferred.
? Contractual Necessity – Transfers required for the performance of a contract with the data subject.
? Protection of Life – Transfers necessary to protect the data subject’s life or prevent harm.
? Legal Claims – Transfers needed for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.
? Monetary Transfers – If required for banking transactions or monetary exchanges.
? International Agreements – If covered under an international treaty or agreement that Egypt is part of.
For all other transfers, companies must secure a license or permit from the DPA before moving personal?data?abroad.
What Steps Should Businesses Take to Ensure Compliance?
To avoid legal and financial risks, organizations must:
?? Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) before initiating cross-border transfers.
?? Obtain explicit consent from data subjects when required.
?? Secure contractual safeguards to ensure foreign recipients uphold Egyptian data protection standards.
?? Apply for a permit from the Egyptian DPA if the transfer doesn’t fall under an exemption.
?? Continuously monitor and update data transfer agreements to align with evolving?regulations.
Final Thoughts
Egypt’s data transfer laws are among the most restrictive in the MENA region. Businesses must carefully assess each transfer, obtain regulatory approvals, and ensure adequate privacy protections before moving data beyond Egypt’s borders. Ignoring these regulations could lead to severe penalties, legal actions, and reputational damage.
Stay compliant, stay protected!
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