191. Name: Rajko Smaak Title: Measures by the Egyptian Government to Counter the Exploitation of (social) Media-Facebook and Al Jazeera Institution: Leiden University Country: Netherlands Date: 2016 Language: English Abstract: During the Arab uprisings in 2011, social media played a key role in ousting various regimes in the Arab region. Facebook and Al Jazeera played a major role in ousting Hosni Mubarak, former president of Egypt. This research examines the measures taken by the Egyptian government to counter the exploitation of social media by opposition groups. Comparative analysis of several constitutions and measures implemented primarily to limit the impact of social media is included. In order to gain knowledge on the actual outcomes of such measures, the freedom of the press and expression has been examined. This research demonstrates that, while repressive measures have been imposed by the government, Al Jazeera and Facebook found their ways into the government communication monopoly. It also finds that several Egyptian government since 2011 modified the constitution in order to consolidate their grip over the media in their own favor, enabling them to arrest, repress and limit public thought even more. This study highlights the importance of public thought, and the need for an enhanced idea of the abilities and impact of (social) media in repressive countries.
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