Jordan’s New Cybercrime Law: A Threat to Online Freedom and Human Rights
A Move That Raises Concerns Among Human Rights Advocates and Freedom of Expression Supporters
Amman, Jordan - In a move that has sparked widespread concern among human rights advocates and freedom of expression supporters, Jordan’s government has passed a new cybercrime law that critics say is overly broad and restrictive.
The Law’s Provisions: A Threat to Online Freedom
The 2023 law criminalizes online activities deemed to:
- Expose public morals
- Stir up strife
- Insult religion
- Constitute character assassination
It also allows for the blocking or removal of online content without clear legal procedures, and imposes severe penalties on individuals found guilty of violating these provisions.
Failure to Meet International Human Rights Standards
According to Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Jordan is a signatory to, freedom of opinion and expression must be protected. However, the new law fails to meet these standards, as it lacks precise definitions of the punishable acts and confers unfettered discretion on those charged with enforcing the law.
Concerns Over Vagueness and Interpretation
The law’s provisions have been criticized for being overly vague and open to interpretation, allowing authorities to arbitrarily restrict online speech. Article 15, which criminalizes sending or resending “fake news targeting national security and community peace,” has raised particular concerns, as it could be used to silence critics of public authorities without providing a clear legal framework.
Impact on Investments and E-Commerce
The law’s impact on investments and e-commerce is also expected to be significant, as Jordanian influencers, small business owners, and journalists rely heavily on social media platforms for their livelihoods. Deliberate internet outages can cost the global economy billions of dollars annually, and Jordan’s recent bans on popular websites and apps have already had a negative impact on the country’s digital entrepreneurship sector.
Recent Developments
Four activists and journalists were arrested just days after the law was passed, with one journalist receiving a year-long prison sentence for allegedly “inciting sectarian and racial strife.” The increasingly restrictive environment for online expression in Jordan is part of a broader trend across the Middle East and North Africa, where governments are cracking down on online dissent.
Call to Action
As the UN Human Rights Council’s 56th regular session approaches, it is crucial that governments and civil society organizations come together to call for reforms to Jordan’s cybercrime law. We urge the Jordanian government to revisit this law and ensure that it complies with international human rights standards, protecting the freedom of expression and online activity that are essential to a vibrant and democratic society.
Author Bio
Afnan Abu Yahia is a Palestinian-Jordanian journalist and researcher who has written extensively on civil, political, and digital rights issues. Valeska Heldt is a lawyer by training and currently works as a Research Fellow at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Rule of Law Programme for the Middle East & North Africa based in Beirut, Lebanon.
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