2. Arabic Digital Content
Improving the regulations applicable to digital content
providers
The development and diffusion of Arabic digital content
is of primordial importance for Egypt. Indeed, this
is a principal gateway to opening up the internet to
Arabic-speaking communities around the world, while
preserving and promoting the Arab heritage for the
coming generations. The Arabic content industry
encompasses hardcopy and soft products in different
fields from tourism, education, government to media,
environment, business, culture…etc.; an integrated
industrial process that is more of an information
base and investment establishment. The Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology adopts a
set of policies in this regard, including:
Promoting the use of open source technology, securing
interoperability and open standards to address the
technological issues related to the creation, publishing,
usage and preservation of digital content
a-Creating a favorable environment for the development
of Arabic digital content
Availing the necessary infrastructure through the
National Broadband Initiative “e- Misr”
Establishing an effective system of cooperation
between the relevant stakeholders to ensure
coordination and continuity
Stimulating the market to create, publish and preserve
digital content
Supporting research, development and innovation
related to the creation, dissemination and preservation
of digital content; related digital networks, software
and hardware; and open standards and interoperability
Implementing initiatives aimed at bridging the skills
gap in the field of digital content through training,
education and human resources development
Promoting the creation and dissemination of knowledge
by facilitating access to information, data, research and
publications, and stimulating investments in this field
Safeguarding the freedom of expression and freedom
of access to information and ideas
Adopting the necessary legislation
Promoting the effective use of and access to open
government data
Promoting investments in network infrastructure,
content, software and applications
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Updating and improving the applications used for the
provision and use of digital content to foster access
and maximize usage
Promoting universal access to digital content with a view
to achieving the full benefits of an Internet economy
Building confidence in the creation and use of digital
content through effective consumers’ protection
measures targeting identity fraud and theft,
infringement on privacy, child online safety, and
strengthening information and network security
Cooperation with other Arab states with a view to
achieving synergies and avoiding duplication
Cooperation with relevant regionalorganizations
Development of value-added digital content for
Egyptian and Arab consumers
Periodical monitoring of progress and assessment of
obstacles
b- Creating a strong Arabic digital content industry
Enhancing the business environment and regulatory
framework
Promoting the development of innovative business
models and best practices in the digital environment
Clarifying taxation issues related to digital content
Setting policies for improving digital content
Providing incentives to create, publish and protect
digital content, through open innovation strategies,
cooperation between universities and businesses and
IPRs
Facilitating e-commerce through e-payments,
e-signature and authentication
Supporting non-discriminatory policies to promote
competition
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