LEGISLATION WATCH- Parliament’s general assembly gave its final approval yesterday to the Cyber Crimes Act, Al Mal reports. The law requires prosecutors to obtain a court order to ban websites that publish any content deemed criminal or posing a threat to the country’s national and economic security. If the threat is deemed imminent, the prosecution is granted the authority to issue a temporary ban via the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) until a court order is obtained. Under the law, internet service providers will be required to hold user data and records of web activity — including voice calls and browsing history, among others — for a period of 180 days. ISPs will be required to hand over the information to the authorities if requested.

Crime and punishment: The bill, when it comes into effect, will give the prosecutor general the authority to impose travel bans of as long as one year on anyone found guilty of a crime under the act. It also lays out fines and jail terms for a range of offenses

Parliament also approved yesterday the law establishing the Supreme Authority for Upper Egypt Development, Ahram Gate reports. The law mandates the authority with drafting a holistic strategy for the economic, social, and urban development of regional areas.

Law on expat affairs up for discussion: Meanwhile, Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee says it will meet on 1 July to discuss legislation that would govern the affairs of Egyptians expats, Al Mal also says.