The law, currently under consideration by government oversight bodies, would give Cairo the authority to restrict and monitor transmissions that originate in Egypt.

The ministry of information refused to comment to the Middle East Times on the proposed law, saying "it is currently under review and we do not want to reveal the full extent of the law before it is finalized."

This has not stemmed criticism to begin to foment in Egypt, a nation that has increasingly seen restrictions on speech and print by the government.

"We are facing the latest innovations of the Egyptian government for achieving its ultimate goal, which is placing the Egyptian citizen inside the 'spiral of silence,'" wrote Al-Masry al-Youm's editor-in-chief Magdy el-Gallad, in his column.

"The draft law for the National Authority for the Regulation of Audio and Radio Transmission … is the most dangerous in the legislations arsenal and the procedures restricting general freedom," he added.

Foreign reporters are worried that the new law seems also to include them and is intended to restrict the information they can broadcast home.

"In order to film on the streets here we have to constantly ask the ministry of interior for permission," said a European television reporter, who asked not to be named due to security concerns.

"So, if a new law goes into effect it could make it even more difficult for us to complete our work. I don't even want to imagine the consequences for Egyptian broadcasters," the journalist said.

Rights groups and journalists were already enraged by a joint Egyptian/Saudi proposal calling for broadcast regulations at an Arab League meeting of foreign ministers earlier this year.

The controversial charter, Principles for Regulating Satellite Broadcast and Television Transmission and Reception in the Arab Region, was condemned widely by media watchdogs for its calls to member states to ensure that satellite channels do not disrupt social order, unity and morale.

The proposed charter adds that broadcasts must not "defame leaders, or national and religious symbols." Consisting of 44 articles, the charter includes all visual and audio mediums for monitoring, and for the first time incorporates "computer networks," read as the Internet.

An oversight authority, or committee, would be established to "protect the welfare of the public and the producers, providers and distributors of these services [audio and visual transmission]" and monitor the material transmitted to ensure the retention of traditions and peace in society.

The draft law requires those responsible for "transmission" to observe the "audience's right to receive accurate information" and "not to have a negative affect on social harmony, national unity, nationalism, public order and public morale."

Worries abound over the addition of "computer networks" into the charter.

Many analysts feel the proposal is an attempt to quiet Internet bloggers and journalists from reporting on events deemed inappropriate by Arab governments.

Gamal Eid, executive director at the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), is one of those individuals. He believes that these laws, if enacted, could throw the Arabic speaking region into complete darkness in terms of information available.

"Strictly speaking, these proposals are horrible," he began, "and if put in place it would mean that a large proportion of reports that are put on the Internet would be unavailable and those people could be arrested and put in jail for their actions."

ANHRI promotes freedom of speech, especially on the Internet, and Eid argued that if a bill is passed by the Arab League, it could spell doom for millions of people who want change.

"The Internet is important to create a generation unafraid of speaking out, but if people are arrested and their Web sites shut down it may mean the end for freedom in this region," Eid said.

If the media is expecting the public to rally behind their efforts to protect the airwaves they will be disappointed. On the street, people are pessimistic.

"The government will continue to treat us poorly, so why are we worrying about another attempt to quiet us," said Muhammad Younis, 36, a supermarket owner in an upscale Cairo neighborhood.