Egypt has arrested several TikTok stars, sparking criticism that the government is tightening control over online expression under vague indecency laws.
Egyptian authorities have detained dozens of teenage TikTok influencers in recent weeks, accusing them of violating family values and laundering money, in a move critics say reflects tighter state control of online speech.
Prosecutors said they were investigating at least 10 cases involving unlawful financial gains, while police imposed travel bans, froze assets, and confiscated devices. Lawyers argue indecency laws are vague and applied inconsistently. “There is a law that criminalises indecent acts, but what we need is consistent application and defined rules,” said lawyer Marawan al-Gindy.
Among those jailed is 19-year-old Mariam Ayman, known as Suzy El Ordonia, who has 9.4 million followers. She faces charges of distributing indecent content and laundering 15 million Egyptian pounds ($300,000). In her final video, she said: “Egyptians don’t get arrested just because they appear on TikTok.”
Rights groups warn the campaign is expanding to include dissenting voices beyond social media influencers.