Egypt's state prosecutor orders ban on Internet pornography

[nsane.forums]

Egypt's state prosecutor has ordered a ban on internet pornography after a similar order was ignored by authorities. The ban would take away what some would argue is the raison d'etre of the web.

In a move that will sadden many young Egyptian males, the country's state prosecutor has ordered a ban on Internet pornography. Abdel Meguid Mahmud, the state prosecutor, directed his order towards the ministries of information, telecommunications, and interior to “take steps to block any pornographic pictures or scenes on the internet.” The main reason behind the ban is that pornography “ruins moral values.“

What’s interesting is that this is not the first time such a ban has been imposed in Egypt. In 2009, well before the Arab Spring, an administrative court issued a similar order with the same reasoning behind it. However Egypt, unlike other countries in the region, has not implemented this order, hence the second one now. And let's not forget about a similar proposal that was introduced in the Egyptian Parliament earlier this year.

It will be interesting to see if the new government of Egypt along with the new president, Mohamed Morsi, will actually implement it this time or if they will ignore it again. Will they see it as an affront to values that has to be stopped or as by-product of the freedom of speech and democratic values they claim to adhere to?

View: Original Article

[RadioActive]

In a move that will sadden many young Egyptian males

Not really. I for one certainly NOT saddened by this decision, on the contrary.

ruins moral values

I agree.

[Bausch]

Why would anyone care what people does in the privacy of their own houses, I don't see any harm in Internet pornography, its not like porn is being forced down the surfers throats, those who wants it gets it and those who oppose it don't, why would they stick their noses in other's affairs and act like big brother? this is just plain stupid.

But then again, common sense is not that common there anyways, so who knows maybe they'll like it, but for those who are persistent and knowledgeable enough, such bans have no effects, they'll always get what they want :D

[Alanon]

But then again, common sense is not that common in that region anyways,

Wouldn't go that far. I'll concede to the fact that it's silly, but I'll also concede that it's my own, European mindset. Egypt has a different cultural framework, and if they deem it immoral, so be it. Of course, should some people protest, I'll be inclined to support them, as I would anyone of matching opinions. Just as I dare not invade a person's home, I dare not invade his country.

Though some of the Middle Eastern customs are often extreme, they went on that way for centuries, and nobody cared. We have no right to do so now.

Just my 2 cents. ;)