Jordan’s New Cybercrime Law Raises Concerns Over Freedom of Speech and Human Rights

Despite global criticism, Jordan has passed a new cybercrime law aimed at addressing vulnerabilities and cybercrime activity in the country. The law, which was approved by King Abdullah II on August 12, comes amid increased attacks against the Middle East over the last few years.

Key Provisions of the Law

• Defines various types of cybercrimes and their corresponding penalties
• Article 4 states that anyone who enters or connects to an information network without authorization and has access to data or information could face between six months and three years in prison, as well as a fine of between 2,500 and 25,000 dinars.
• Article 12 states that anyone who “circumvents the protocol address” could face a fine of 2,500 to 25,000 dinars and imprisonment for a period of no less than six months.

Concerns Over Vagueness and Threats to Privacy

• Human rights groups have expressed concern over the law’s vague language, which they say threatens privacy.
• Article 12 could be interpreted as targeting the use of VPNs, anonymous proxies, and even the Tor browser, forcing individuals to choose between keeping their identity secure and being able to express their opinions freely online.

Concerns Over Accountability

• Article 25 states that the person responsible for managing a website or social media platform, or in charge of any account, public page, group, or channel, “shall be responsible for illegal content.”
• This provision has raised concerns over who will be held accountable and whether it will lead to censorship.

International Concerns

• A joint statement by Human Rights Watch, Access Now, Article 19, and 11 other organizations said the bill has several provisions threatening freedom of expression, the right to information, and the right to privacy.
• The European Union has expressed similar concerns, saying that some provisions in the law depart from international human rights standards and could limit freedom of expression online and offline.

UN Concerns

• Liz Throssell, the United Nations’ spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that while countries need to take steps to combat cybercrime, protecting security online and ensuring online freedoms must be treated as complementary goals.
• She also expressed concerns over the rapid passage of the law through Jordan’s parliament.

Debate Over Balance Between National Security and Individual Rights

• The new law has sparked a debate about the balance between national security and individual rights in Jordan.
• While some have praised the government for taking action to address cybercrime, others have raised concerns that the law could be used to crack down on political dissent or silence online critics.

Conclusion

As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges of cybercrime, it remains to be seen how Jordan’s new law will impact the country’s infrastructure and organizations. In the meantime, human rights groups are urging the government to reconsider certain provisions in the law that they say threaten individual freedoms.