Law No. 180 of 2018, which issues the law regulating press and media and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, stipulates that the council is responsible for organizing the affairs of audio, visual, digital media, and printed and digital press, among others.

The law defines in Article 70 the objectives and competencies of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, stating that the council exercises its competencies to achieve its goals as specified in the law, including: expressing opinions on draft laws and regulations related to its field; receiving notifications for establishing Egyptian newspapers and foreign-licensed newspapers distributed in Egypt; granting licenses to audio, visual, and digital media outlets registered with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones; setting and applying professional standards and ethical codes; receiving and examining complaints about media content affecting individuals’ reputation or privacy; protecting audience rights and service quality; approving rules for using foreign expertise; monitoring funding sources to ensure transparency and legality; regulating advertising content; managing internal regulations; coordinating with the General Authority for Information on foreign correspondents and media offices; licensing rebroadcasting companies; licensing companies verifying media reach and audience measurement; licensing cable and encrypted media platforms; ensuring economic activity in media does not restrict competition; setting maximum advertising-to-content ratios; approving organizational structures; accepting grants and donations; approving loans; approving foreign publications before distribution; approving annual budgets and final accounts; establishing health, social, cultural, and sports care systems for employees; regulating tax collection on online advertisements and social media accounts; and considering matters referred by the council president or secretary-general.