Jordan's Controversial Cyber Crime Legislation: A Threat to Freedom of Speech

02-08-2023

Talita Dielemans

Middle East and Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence

Following a six-hour debate, the Jordanian parliament has passed a new cyber crime legislation aimed at tackling online speech that is considered detrimental to national unity. [1] With this legislation, certain online posts are made punishable with months of prison time and large fines. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this legislation and it has been met with criticism from opposition lawmakers and human rights groups. [2] 

This cybercrime legislation is arguably necessary to punish online attackers, however it has raised concerns due to its ambiguous nature, potentially allowing the targeting of individuals who exercise their right to freedom of speech. Critics worry that this could lead to the prosecution and conviction of citizens in numerous cases, leading to potential abuses of power and limitations on the freedom of expression. [3] Thus, opposition lawmaker Saleh al-Armoiti concludes that this law will lead to Jordan turning into a large prison. [4]

In recent years, Jordan has witnessed a decline in freedom of expression, evident through actions such as unplugging social media sites during periods of civil unrest and peaceful anti-government protests. [5] Moreover, in December of last year, the government blocked TikTok to restrict the dissemination of live footage documenting worker protests. This new cyber crime legislation aligns with the government's efforts to further limit and control online activities, which raise concerns about potential infringement of freedom of speech and the violation of other fundamental human rights. [6]

Despite extensive concerns raised by rights groups and experts, the Jordanian government is persisting in its efforts to pass a comprehensive cyber crime bill. This bill includes provisions that could potentially be exploited by authorities to target journalists, critics and civilians. Due to the bill containing broad and ambiguous definitions of cyber crime, the bill could be used to criminalise online speech or content that authorities deem as offensive or harmful, which could be used as a tool to silence individuals who engage in investigative reporting or express opinions contrary to the government's narrative. [7] 

As the bill progresses through parliament for approval, the International Press Institute global network urges lawmakers to reject it. They emphasise the importance of involving journalists and civil society in the development of any laws that may impact freedom of the press to safeguard the principles of free speech and open dialogue. [8]

Sources and further reading:

[1] Al Jazeera ‘Rights groups, opposition slam proposed cyber crime law in Jordan’ (28 July 2023) < https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/28/rights-groups-opposition-slam-proposed-cyber-crime-law-in-jordan> accessed 1 August 2023.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid. 

[4] Ibid.

[5] Reuters ‘Jordan adopts cybercrime law seen as threat to free speech’ (27 July 2023) <https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jordan-adopts-cybercrime-law-seen-threat-free-speech-2023-07-27/> accessed 1 August 2023.

[6] Ibid.

[7] International Press Institute ‘Jordan: New cybercrime legislation a blow to press freedom’ (1 August 2023) <https://ipi.media/jordan-new-cybercrime-legislation-a-blow-to-press-freedom/> accessed 1 August 2023.

[8] Ibid.