Arabic version: محاكاة ساخرة مصرية لـ«سبونج بوب» تجذب تدقيقاً رسمياً

According to BBC News, AI-generated SpongeBob SquarePants parodies have become a popular vehicle for Egyptians to criticise living conditions and public issues online, drawing reports of official scrutiny.

The trend began last month with a Facebook group called “Complaints of the Residents of al-Hamour Bottom”, using the Arabic name for SpongeBob’s fictional home, Bikini Bottom. Posts included depictions of President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi as Mr Krabs, as well as images referring to overcrowded tuk-tuks, sexual harassment, rent, health and education.

Within a couple of weeks, the group had gained 1.8 million followers before it was suspended. A teenage girl who said she was its administrator later posted a video saying she and other creators should not be held responsible for political material shared by members in spin-off groups.

Pro-government media and television presenters accused the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood of exploiting the online phenomenon. While many posts with the most sensitive political comments were removed, other popular al-Hamour Bottom content continued circulating, with celebrities, influencers and brands sharing AI-generated memes.

Egypt has more than 110 million people and has experienced social and economic upheaval since the 2011 Arab Spring. The BBC reported that Egyptians continue to face high inflation, rising fuel costs and a 12% increase in some electricity tariffs this summer. Mahmoud Shalaby of Amnesty International said authorities had long cracked down on online expression. A lawyer has reportedly filed a complaint seeking a review of content linked to al-Hamour Bottom over concerns it could disturb public security and social order.