Jordan Takes Proactive Approach to Cybersecurity with New Law
Amman, Jordan - The Kingdom of Jordan has taken a significant step towards strengthening its cybersecurity defenses by adopting the 2019 Cybersecurity Law, a comprehensive piece of legislation that outlines a detailed blueprint for sustaining the kingdom’s cyber defense capabilities in the long term.
A New Era in Cybersecurity Governance
The law marks a major shift in Jordan’s approach to cybersecurity governance, introducing an institutional framework that brings together multiple state entities to address digital threats. The National Cybersecurity Council and National Center for Cybersecurity are two new structures established by the law to enhance interagency collaboration and coordination.
Key Provisions of the Law
Article 3: National Cybersecurity Council
The article establishes the National Cybersecurity Council, comprising representatives from various government agencies, including:
- Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship
- Jordanian Armed Forces
- Central Bank of Jordan
- General Intelligence Department
- Public Security Directorate
- National Center for Security and Crisis Management
The council’s chairman will be appointed by royal decree.
Article 5: National Center for Cybersecurity
Article 5 sets up the National Center for Cybersecurity under the prime minister’s office, tasked with:
- Developing cybersecurity architecture
- Guarding critical infrastructure
- Promoting academic research
- Imposing information security safeguards
- Producing an annual report detailing Jordan’s cybersecurity posture
Controversy Surrounds Electronic Crime Law Amendments
However, controversy surrounds stalled amendments to the Electronic Crime Law No. 27 of 2015, which propose criminalizing online hate speech and the dissemination of libelous material. Critics argue that the bill is a thinly veiled assault on civic expression, citing its loose definition of hate speech and other prohibited conduct.
A Lesson for the Region
The cybercrime saga in Jordan highlights a troubling trend sweeping the region, where states are manipulating cyber codes to advance partisan interests and stifle opposition. The experience offers critical lessons, chief among which is the need for adaptive policymaking to keep pace with the rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Jordan’s Commitment to Adaptive Policymaking
Jordan’s commitment to adaptive policymaking is displayed by its routine enhancement of cyber laws, a central objective of the 2018 National Cybersecurity Strategy. Other states should take note and perform regular reviews of cyber regulations to enable governments to prune pernicious elements and incorporate necessary amendments, both essential for proactive digital governance.