Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity: Towards Safe and Sustainable Digital Governance

The world is witnessing a rapid development in artificial intelligence technologies, which has made it an essential pillar for supporting digital transformation and enhancing the efficiency of various sectors. At the same time, cyber threats have increased, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in protecting systems and data.

The integration between artificial intelligence and cybersecurity is the basis for achieving safe and sustainable digital governance, by supporting innovation while maintaining information security and privacy. In this context, Egypt adopts an ambitious vision to enhance digital transformation, supported by national strategies for artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, which contributes to building a safe digital environment and achieving sustainable development goals.

AI governance refers to the processes, standards, and controls that help ensure that AI systems and tools are safe and ethical. AI governance frameworks guide AI research, development, and application to help ensure safety, justice, and respect for human rights. AI Governance is a framework of policies, procedures and standards that ensure that AI systems are developed and used responsibly, safely and transparently, benefiting organizations and society while reducing risks.

Artificial intelligence governance and its relationship to cybersecurity:

Artificial intelligence governance is closely linked to cybersecurity, as the success of artificial intelligence applications depends on providing a secure digital environment that protects data and systems from cyber threats and attacks.

In contrast, artificial intelligence has become an effective tool in enhancing cybersecurity by detecting threats, analyzing abnormal patterns, and quickly responding to attacks.

The relationship between artificial intelligence governance and cybersecurity includes several aspects, the most important of which are:

1- Enhancing transparency: clarifying how artificial intelligence systems work and the basis on which decisions are made.

2- Reducing bias and discrimination: Ensuring fairness in systems outputs and reducing bias against individuals or different groups.

3- Privacy and data protection: Ensure that data is collected and used in accordance with laws and ethical standards.

4-Enhancing accountability: defining legal and administrative responsibilities for the results and decisions of artificial intelligence systems.

5-Risk management: Identifying technical, security and ethical risks and developing mechanisms to reduce them.

6-Building trust: Increasing the confidence of users, customers, and society in artificial intelligence applications.

7- Compliance with regulations and legislation: Ensure that the use of artificial intelligence is compatible with local and international laws and regulations.

8- Improving the quality of decisions: supporting more accurate and reliable decision-making through the presence of clear controls.

This field also faces many challenges, including:

The continuous evolution of cyberattacks, the complexity of AI models, the difficulty of interpreting some of the decisions made by these models, the need for specialized personnel that combine AI and cybersecurity expertise.

In turn, effective governance contributes to enhancing trust in AI applications, reducing security risks, supporting responsible innovation, and ensuring the safe use of new technologies in various sectors.

Relationship between technology governance, national security and digital sovereignty:

Technology governance has become one of the key pillars of building the modern digital state, playing a pivotal role in regulating the use of technical resources, managing data, and enhancing the efficiency of digital services. Its impact is no longer limited to administrative and regulatory aspects, but has expanded to include supporting national security and consolidating the digital sovereignty of states, in light of the accelerating extension in the use of digital technologies and the increasing cyber threats.

Technology governance is a set of policies, regulatory frameworks, and procedures that aim to ensure the effective and safe use of information technology, in line with strategic objectives, enhance risk management, increase regulatory and legislative compliance, and improve decision-making efficiency.

Implementing governance helps ensure the sustainability of digital services and the protection of information assets, which is an important foundation for national security (Digital Government Authority, 2024).

The relationship between technology governance and national security is manifested in the fact that governance provides an integrated framework for managing cyber risks and protecting critical digital infrastructure, such as telecommunications networks, energy systems, the financial sector, and government services. It also contributes to raising the readiness of institutions to face cyber attacks, ensuring the continuity of essential services, and enhancing data and information security, which directly reflects on the State's ability to protect its national interests and stability.

On the other hand, technology governance is closely related to the concept of digital sovereignty, which refers to the ability of a state to control its national data, manage its digital infrastructure, and formulate its digital policies and legislation in such a way as to preserve its national decision-making autonomy.Governance contributes to this goal by establishing controls for data management, protecting privacy, regulating the use of technologies, supporting the localization of digital solutions, and reducing reliance on external technologies in sensitive areas.

The relationship between technology governance, national security, and digital sovereignty is an integrative one; good governance contributes to enhanced cybersecurity, and cybersecurity leads to the protection of national infrastructure and information, which supports national security, while enhancing a state's ability to exercise its digital sovereignty. Therefore, the success of countries in implementing effective frameworks for technology governance is one of the key factors in building a secure and sustainable digital environment, achieving digital development, and protecting national interests in the face of the growing challenges and threats in cyberspace.

AI governance has become a major topic that has received increasing attention at both national and international levels, as a result of the rapid extension in the employment of AI applications in various sectors. AI governance refers to the set of legislative, regulatory, institutional, and ethical frameworks that regulate the design, development, operation, and use of AI systems, ensuring the maximum benefit of these technologies while minimizing the associated risks.Governance aims to strike a balance between supporting innovation on one hand, and protecting rights, freedoms, and societal security on the other. AI governance goes beyond legislation, including policy development, risk management, accountability, development of oversight and follow-up mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, to build trust in AI applications and promote their responsible and sustainable use (UNESCO, 2021).

The difference between regulation, governance, and ethics

The concepts of regulation, governance, and ethics are closely related in the field of artificial intelligence, but each has a different scope and function.

Regulation refers to the set of laws and regulations issued by the competent authorities to regulate the uses of artificial intelligence, defining the legal obligations of developers and users, with penalties imposed for violating these rules. The organization aims to protect society, safeguard rights, and ensure the safe use of modern technologies.

Governance is a broader concept that includes the set of policies, procedures, and institutional mechanisms that regulate the management and oversight of AI systems, the distribution of responsibilities among different entities, risk management, performance monitoring and follow-up and ensuring compliance with laws and professional standards. Thus, regulation represents one of the main tools that governance rely on to achieve its goals.

In contrast, ethics refer to the principles and values that should be considered when designing, developing, and using AI applications, in a way to ensure respect for human rights, privacy, prevention of discrimination, and effecting justice and equality.

Although ethical principles are not legally obligatory in all cases, they form the basis of regulatory legislations and policies for artificial intelligence.

Thus, the relationship between these concepts is complementary; where ethics provides the value framework, regulation translates these principles into legal rules, while governance represents the administrative and regulatory system that ensures the actual application of these rules inside institutions.

AI governance is based on a set of principles that form the basis for building reliable and accountable AI systems, the most prominent of which are:

1- Transparency Transparency means providing clear information about how AI systems work, the data they rely on, and the basis on which they make decisions or recommendations. Transparency plays an important role in enhancing user confidence and enabling regulators to objectively assess the performance of systems.

It means the determination of legal and administrative responsibility for decisions or outcomes made by artificial intelligence systems, so that the responsible party or person can be identified in case of errors or damages. Accountability, as well, includes establishing mechanisms for review and audit, addressing complaints, and compensating those affected when necessary.

It aims to guarantee the neutrality of algorithms and their non-biasedness, and to prevent discrimination based on gender, race, religion, age or other personal characteristics.

Realising this principle requires periodically reviewing the data used to train the models and testing the algorithms to detect and address any biases.

Explainability refers to the ability to understand the reasons that led an AI system to make a particular decision, especially in areas that directly affect the rights of individuals, such as health care, the judiciary, financial services, and employment. This principle is one of the most important requirements of modern governance, as it supports accountability and enhances user confidence in the outputs of intelligent systems.

Fourth: Global governance models for artificial intelligence

International models for the regulation and governance of artificial intelligence have varied according to each country's priorities and the nature of its legal and political system. The most prominent of these models can be summarized as follows:

The European Union relies on a comprehensive regulatory framework, represented in the European Artificial Intelligence (AI Act), which is based on the classification of AI applications according to risk levels. The law sets strict requirements for high-risk applications, including risk management, data quality assurance, transparency, human oversight, and technical documentation, with the aim of protecting fundamental rights and promoting trust in the use of these technologies.

It is based on encouraging innovation, adopting a flexible regulatory approach, relying heavily on guidance, technical standards and risk management, along with the active role of the private sector. This model gives institutions a wide scope to develop AI applications, while emphasizing the importance of protecting privacy, enhancing cybersecurity, and responsible use of new technologies.

It is characterized by a large government role in regulating artificial intelligence, where the competent authorities have issued a set of regulations for algorithms, generating artificial intelligence and data management. This model focuses on striking a balance between supporting technological innovation and strengthening national security, maintaining digital sovereignty, and ensuring compliance with public policies of the state.

Fifth: The Egyptian approach to AI governance

Egypt adopts an approach based on aligning the promotion of technological innovation and building an effective system of AI governance, embodied in the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (Edition II) launched by the National Council for Artificial Intelligence. The strategy focuses on developing the legislative and regulatory environment, strengthening digital infrastructure, developing human capabilities, supporting scientific research and innovation, while establishing principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Egypt Vision 2030. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of building a national framework for AI governance that ensures the protection of personal data, enhances cybersecurity, manages risks, and achieves transparency and accountability, thus contributing to raising the level of trust in AI applications and maximizing their contribution to economic and social development. Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in the face of global changes

Egypt's efforts in AI governance and cybersecurity

The development of national strategies, the issuance of regulatory legislation, the establishment of competent institutions, and the development of human competencies have contributed to laying the foundations of digital governance in line with Egypt's Vision 2030, while continuing to work on developing a more comprehensive legislative framework to keep pace with the accelerated developments in artificial intelligence technologies and mechanisms.

First: The strategic and legislative frameworkThe national strategy for the AI ( edition II) and charter of AI ethics.

Egypt has adopted a strategic approach to promoting AI governance through the launch of the second edition of the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (2025 - 2030) which aims to employ AI technologies in supporting economic and social development, improving the quality of government services, and promoting innovation and scientific research. The country has also adopted the AI Ethics Charter which sets out a set of guiding principles for the development and use of intelligent systems, on top of which are justice, transparency, privacy protection, non-discrimination, and accountability in order to achieve the responsible use of modern technologies.

On 22/1/2025, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, during the launch of the second edition of the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (2025-2030), stressed that artificial intelligence represents one of the main axes for building an advanced digital society, improving the quality of life of citizens, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, while adhering to the principles of responsible and ethical use of this technology to achieve sustainable development.

2. The National Cybersecurity Strategy has put cybersecurity in Egypt's national priorities by issuing the National Cybersecurity Strategy which aims to protect digital infrastructure, strengthen the ability of institutions to face threats and cyberattacks, and raise the level of national preparedness for cyber risk management. The strategy also focuses on human cadres development, legislative promotion , and enhancement of collaboration between government, private sector and international partners to ensure a secure and sustainable digital environment.

3. The Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020 is one of the most important legislations supporting data governance and artificial intelligence in Egypt, regulating the collection, processing, storage and transfer of personal data, recognizing the rights of data owners, and defining the obligations of data controllers and processors. The law also provided for the establishment of the Personal Data Protection Centre as the authority responsible for granting licenses and monitoring compliance with the provisions of the law.

4. The Egyptian state is moving towards developing an integrated legislative framework for the regulation of artificial intelligence applications, which includes determining legal responsibility for automated decisions, regulating the use of high-risk systems, and establishing controls to protect rights and freedoms, in line with the best international practices and ensuring the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence within the various sectors.

Second: the institutional and regulatory structure

1. The Supreme Cyber Security Council (SCSC) is the national body responsible for developing general cybersecurity policies in Egypt, overseeing their implementation, coordinating information infrastructure protection efforts, managing the response to cyber incidents, and issuing information security guidelines and technical guidance to government bodies.

2. The National Artificial Intelligence Council and National Artificial Intelligence Center

The National Artificial Intelligence Council is responsible for formulating public policies on artificial intelligence applications and monitoring the implementation of the national strategy, while the National Artificial Intelligence Center supports government entities in developing intelligent applications, preparing technical studies, promoting innovation and building national capacity in this field.

3. Information Technology Industry Development Authority (ITIDA)

The IT Industry Development Authority (ITIDA) plays a pivotal role in the development of the ICT industry, supporting start-ups in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, providing training and professional accreditation programs, and promoting research and development in a way to support the Egyptian digital economy.

4. Coordination mechanisms between the supervisory authorities

Egypt relies on institutional mechanisms for coordination between relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Communications, the National Council for Artificial Intelligence, the Supreme Council for Cybersecurity, the National Authority for Telecommunications Regulation, and the Center for Personal Data Protection, with the aim of unifying policies, avoiding conflicts of competence, and achieving integration in the oversight and supervision of AI applications and cybersecurity.

1. Algorithmic risk assessment framework.

The State encourages the adoption of algorithmic risk assessment methodologies before the operation of artificial intelligence systems, including the analysis of the probability of bias, errors, discrimination, and the impact of the systems on rights and freedoms, to ensure the development of reliable, secure and compliant applications with legal and ethical requirements.

2. Standards of transparency and disclosure

The governance of AI in Egypt is based on promoting transparency through disclosing the nature of the systems used, decision-making mechanisms, data sources, and the availability of means of redress and review, especially in government applications that directly affect citizens.

3. Independent audit and review mechanisms

The governance system includes reviewing smart systems periodically to ensure compliance with legal and technical controls, verifying the integrity of algorithms, the level of cybersecurity, and the efficiency of data protection procedures, thus enhancing trust in government and private applications.

Fourth: building human and institutional capacities

1. Digital and legal cadres training programs

The state pays great attention to human capacity building through the implementation of training programs targeted at technology and legal specialists, with the aim of preparing cadres capable of managing artificial intelligence risks, formulating organizational policies, and applying digital governance standards inside institutions.

2. Partnerships with universities and research centers

The government is working to strengthen cooperation with Egyptian universities and research centers to develop artificial intelligence applications, establish specialized research labs, support innovation and entrepreneurship, and encourage technology transfer and localization.

3. Initiatives to teach programming and artificial intelligence to youth

The state has launched many national initiatives to spread digital culture, programming and artificial intelligence education, such as Applied Technology Schools, WE School for Applied Technology, and the "Ashbal masr Digital"(Egypt's cubs) and "Bara'em masr Digital"( Egypt's buds) programs, with the aim of preparing a generation that has the necessary digital skills for the future.

The Egyptian government employs artificial intelligence applications in the development of digital government services, improving service provision for citizens, and automating administrative procedures, with a commitment to the application of data protection standards, cybersecurity, and transparency in service provision

2. AI in the health and agriculture sectors

The health sector has witnessed the use of AI applications in supporting diagnosis, medical rays analysis and health data management.

The agriculture sector has benefited from AI technologies in predicting agricultural production, water resources management, and crop monitoring, contributing to food security and sustainable development.

3. Monitoring and forecasting systems in crisis management

Government bodies use AI applications and big data analysis to support crisis and disaster management, through risk prediction, scenario analysis, and decision- making support, while adhering to privacy protection controls, data confidentiality, and not misusing digital surveillance tools.

Indicators of the success of Egyptian policy in this field

First: Egypt's progress in international indicators of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence governance

International indicators reflect the development Egypt has achieved in the field of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in the past years, as it has succeeded in consolidating its position as one of the leading countries regionally in adopting artificial intelligence policies and governance. Egypt topped African countries in Oxford Insights' Government AI Readiness Index 2025, and advanced to 51st place globally out of 195 countries, reflecting the evolution of the legislative and institutional environment, the effectiveness of government policies supporting digital transformation, and the state's ability to employ AI in developing public services and promoting sustainable development.

Egypt also ranked first in the Arab world in the Resilience axis which measures a country's ability to manage social, economic and environmental challenges arising from the expansion of AI adoption, including readiness to deal with potential risks that may affect the security of society as a result of the expansion of AI programs.

Commenting on the results of the index, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. AmrTalaat said that this progress reflects the success of the efforts made by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in employing artificial intelligence technologies to serve the community.

The ICT sector has become one of the fastest growing sectors in the Egyptian economy, as a result of the extension of digital infrastructure projects, the establishment of data centers, the expansion of computing services, the support of innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the development of digital industries and the localization of information technology.

This has been reflected in an increase in the sector's contribution to GDP, enhancing the attractiveness of the Egyptian market for local and foreign investment in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital transformation.

On 6/7/2026, Egypt officially co-chaired the World Summit Forum on the Information Society (WSIS Forum 2026) held in Geneva, Switzerland from 6 to 10 July 2026, under the theme "The future we choose: leadership for an inclusive digital world", with Egypt taking over the presidency of the current session of the forum from the Republic of South Africa.

Egypt's participation in these international events comes as an affirmation of its keenness to strengthen cooperation with various countries and international organizations, boost partnerships with various countries and international organizations, contribute to international discussions on current and future developments in the fields of communication and information technology, contributing to the exchange of experiences and visions, along with reviewing the Egyptian experience in these fields, and keeping pace with the latest global trends in advanced technologies, and continuing efforts at the national, regional and international levels concerning discussion and implementation of AI governance frameworks.