Best Information Technology Lawyers in New Cairo

About Information Technology Law in New Cairo, Egypt

Information technology law in New Cairo is governed by national Egyptian legislation and by regulatory practice that applies across the country. New Cairo is a growing business and technology hub with many startups, software houses, and regional offices of larger companies. Businesses and individuals operating there need to comply with laws on cybercrime, personal data protection, electronic transactions, intellectual property, telecommunications regulation, and sector-specific rules such as those that apply to payment services and fintech.

Because New Cairo sits within the Cairo judicial and administrative system, disputes are handled by the same courts and regulators that apply elsewhere in Egypt. That means local lawyers familiar with Egyptian IT law and with experience in Cairo courts and regulators can provide the most practical and actionable advice.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Starting and running an IT business requires legal help for company formation, drafting and negotiating contracts with customers and vendors, and clarifying ownership of software, apps, data and other intellectual property. Lawyers can make sure contracts assign rights properly, include appropriate warranties and limitations of liability, and address maintenance and support obligations.

If you experience a data breach, a cyberattack, or an accusation of illegal online conduct, immediate legal advice helps preserve evidence, decide whether to notify regulators or affected persons, and manage potential criminal exposure and civil claims. A lawyer will also help prepare incident reports and communications while protecting legal privilege where possible.

Compliance work - such as preparing privacy policies, data-processing agreements, terms of service, and e-commerce disclosures - benefits from legal review to reduce regulatory risk and avoid fines or enforcement actions. Lawyers also help with licensing and approvals when a product or service falls into a regulated area - for example payment services or telecommunication-related offerings.

Finally, a lawyer is essential for enforcing or defending intellectual property rights, handling employment and contractor disputes involving code or trade secrets, and representing you in litigation, arbitration or regulatory investigations.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal areas and practical points to understand include the following.

Cybercrime law - Egypt has specific laws and enforcement units that criminalize hacking, unauthorized access, online fraud, and the misuse of information systems. Criminal investigation and prosecution can be swift in serious incidents, so preserving evidence and obtaining counsel early is important.

Personal data protection - Recent Egyptian legislation provides rules for processing personal data, including obligations on data controllers and processors, requirements for lawful processing, and rules on consent and individual rights. The law also contemplates a supervisory body that issues guidance and enforces compliance. Organizations should map their data flows, maintain records, and prepare privacy notices and data-processing agreements.

Electronic transactions and e-signatures - Egyptian law recognizes electronic documents and electronic signatures in many contexts, and there are rules about the formality and authentication required for certain transactions. Contracts and consumer disclosures should be drafted to reflect how electronic evidence will be handled.

Intellectual property - Copyright, trademark and patent protections apply to software, applications, content and brands. Contracts should clearly address ownership and licensing of source code, user interfaces, databases and other creative outputs. IP enforcement can be pursued through civil litigation, administrative actions, or criminal complaints for piracy or counterfeiting.

Telecommunications and network regulation - The national telecom regulator sets technical and licensing requirements for providers of network services and certain content services. If you operate infrastructure, host services, or provide connectivity, you may be subject to registration, licensing, or reporting obligations.

Payment and fintech regulation - Payment services and platforms that process financial transactions are regulated by the Central Bank of Egypt and other financial regulators. Integrating payment gateways or offering wallet services often requires licensing or formal approval.

Contract and commercial law - Many disputes in IT arise from contract interpretation, breach of service-level agreements, warranties, or indemnities. Civil remedies and commercial dispute resolution mechanisms are central to resolving business conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a cybercrime in Egypt?

Cybercrimes typically include unauthorized access to computer systems, data theft, distribution of malware, online fraud, denial-of-service attacks, and misuse of personal data. Laws may also criminalize the publication of illegal content online. The exact elements vary by offense, so legal advice is important if you are involved in or affected by an incident.

What should I do if my business suffers a data breach or cyberattack?

Immediately isolate affected systems to stop further damage, preserve logs and other evidence, document what happened, and notify your internal security team. Contact a lawyer with IT incident experience to advise on notification obligations to regulators, affected individuals, and possible law enforcement reporting. Do not delete files or alter evidence until advised by counsel.

Do I need a written contract for software development or outsourcing?

Yes. A clear written contract protects both parties by defining scope, deliverables, ownership of source code and IP, payment terms, timelines, warranties, confidentiality, and dispute resolution. Contracts should also address maintenance, liability caps, and termination rights.

How is personal data protected and what rights do individuals have?

Egyptian data protection rules set principles for lawful processing, purpose limitation, data minimization, and security. Individuals typically have rights to be informed, to access their data, and to request correction or deletion in certain cases. Organizations must have a legal basis for processing and implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards.

Can I transfer personal data outside Egypt?

Cross-border transfers are subject to restrictions and may require legal safeguards such as contractual clauses, adequacy decisions, or prior authorization from the supervisory authority. Transfers to jurisdictions without adequate protection should include additional contractual or technical safeguards and be reviewed by legal counsel.

What obligations do I have when running an e-commerce site?

You must provide clear information about products and services, pricing, delivery and return policies, and complaint-handling procedures. Consumer protection and electronic transactions rules affect advertising, invoicing, and when risk transfers. Data protection and payment security rules also apply.

How can I protect my software, code and technical know-how?

Use a combination of contracts, technical safeguards and IP registrations. Employment and contractor agreements should include clear assignment of rights and confidentiality clauses. Consider copyright and, where relevant, patent filings. Limit access to source code and apply strong access controls and auditing.

Can my employer lawfully monitor my work computer or communications?

Employers commonly monitor workplace systems for legitimate business reasons, but monitoring must respect privacy and any applicable legal limits. Written policies that explain the scope of monitoring and the purposes for which data will be used are best practice. Consult a lawyer if monitoring raises privacy or employment-law issues.

How are IT disputes usually resolved in Egypt?

IT disputes can be resolved through litigation in civil courts, arbitration, or mediation. Commercial contracts often include arbitration clauses to obtain a faster and more specialized resolution. The appropriate forum depends on the contract terms, value of the dispute, and whether urgent relief or injunctive orders are needed.

How do I choose an IT lawyer in New Cairo?

Look for lawyers or firms with specific experience in IT, data protection, cybercrime, and intellectual property. Ask about recent cases or projects similar to yours, fees and billing methods, your likely timeline, and whether they work with technical experts. Ensure the lawyer is licensed in Egypt and comfortable with both technical and regulatory aspects.

Additional Resources

Government and regulatory bodies that are relevant include the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology - for national IT policy and programs, the national telecommunications regulator - for network and service rules, the supervisory body responsible for data protection - for compliance and guidance, and law enforcement cyber units or the public prosecutor - for reporting serious cybercrime.

Other useful resources include the Central Bank of Egypt - for payment and fintech regulation, the national industry development agency for information technology - for support to tech businesses, and arbitration centres for commercial dispute resolution. The Egyptian Bar Association and reputable local law firms can help you find a qualified attorney in New Cairo.

Professional associations, local incubators and business chambers often provide practical guidance and contacts for legal, financial and technical advisors. Cybersecurity vendors and incident response firms can assist with technical containment and forensic analysis when needed.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in Information Technology in New Cairo, start by identifying the core issue - compliance, contract, IP, incident response, or dispute. Gather key documents such as contracts, privacy policies, system logs, source-code ownership records, and any communications relevant to the issue.

Schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in IT matters. Prepare specific questions - for example about legal exposure, required notifications, short-term steps to protect evidence and systems, and an estimated fee and timeline for resolving the matter. Ask whether the lawyer works with technical specialists such as forensic analysts or cybersecurity firms, and how communication and confidentiality will be handled.

For emergencies - such as an ongoing cyberattack or imminent regulator action - contact your lawyer immediately and follow their instructions to preserve evidence and prevent further harm. For compliance projects, consider a legal audit to identify gaps and a prioritized plan to reduce risk, including staff training, contract updates, and technical improvements.

Taking prompt, documented and professionally guided steps will help you control legal risk and protect your business or personal interests in the fast-moving IT landscape of New Cairo and the wider Egyptian market.