By Mohammed Abu Abu Dalhoum – Aug 20, 2023
Jordan’s contested Cybercrimes Law was passed on August 12 through a Royal decree. This new legislation encompasses a wide array of regulations, consisting of over 70 articles and sub-provisions. Of these, 40 sections combine imprisonment and hefty fines, some exceeding a substantial seventy thousand US Dollars.
The law addresses a multitude of topics within the digital sphere, ranging from data access and copyright infringement to disinformation, cyber scams, hacking, and cyberbullying. However, the law’s formulation has come under scrutiny due to its lack of clarity and planning.Left many Jordanians perplexedThe swift passage of the law through the Parliament, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate, has left many Jordanians perplexed. This rapid turnaround has led to speculation regarding the government’s motives, with concerns that an unpopular decision might be imminent, prompting the government’s haste.Possibly resulting in another round of price hikesRumors have circulated that Jordan is on the brink of renegotiating terms with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), possibly resulting in another round of price hikes. Nevertheless, the government maintains that the primary goal of the law is to regulate cyberspace and bolster digital security. However, in its current form, the law appears more akin to a penal code, albeit one that pertains to the digital realm.
Recent data from the Arab Barometer reveals that around 41 percent of Jordanians believed that media’s freedom to criticize government decisions was not guaranteed at all. Furthermore, a survey conducted by NAMA Strategic Intelligence Solutions indicated that over 60 percent of respondents perceived Jordanian mass media as either not very free or not free at all in expressing various political viewpoints.
The time old: Young vs. oldThis law underscores how well the Jordanian legislators comprehend their constituents and their online activities. While young Jordanians heavily rely on the internet for various aspects of their lives, such as finding jobs, staying updated on news, and expressing opinions, older legislators seem to believe it has contributed to cultural degradation among the nation’s youth.
The introduction of this legislation has raised concerns among local and international non-governmental organizations and activists. They have launched a widespread online campaign, urging the King to intervene and halt the law’s progress, even before it reached the Senate. This highlights the potential repercussions on freedom of speech, the press, and the level of interaction Jordanians can have with government decisions.
41 percent of Jordanians believe that media’s freedom to criticize the government decisions was not guaranteed at all.
Recent data from the Arab Barometer reveals that around 41 percent of Jordanians believed that media’s freedom to criticize government decisions was not guaranteed at all. Furthermore, a survey conducted by NAMA Strategic Intelligence Solutions indicated that over 60 percent of respondents perceived Jordanian mass media as either not very free or not free at all in expressing various political viewpoints.
Both these data points were collected before the passage of this law, raising serious concerns about its impact on limiting freedom of speech. The potential depletion of avenues for Jordanians to exercise their freedom of speech, especially in the virtual realm, could leave them with limited alternatives to express dissent – a situation that hasn’t been prevalent in Jordan despite ongoing economic challenges.
High unemployment
There were expectations that once the COVID-19 lockdown policies were lifted, Jordanians might return to the streets in protest against government decisions. However, given the high unemployment rate and the reliance on daily wages, public demonstrations have become a precarious proposition due to the economic vulnerability of those involved.
Undermines progress
This situation underscores the confusion many Jordanians feel regarding their government’s actions. On one hand, laws derived from the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System have aimed to encourage public political participation, even though political parties. On the other hand, the new cybercrimes law seems to undermine this progress, just about a year before the next elections.
This situation underscores the confusion many Jordanians feel regarding their government’s actions. On one hand, laws derived from the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System have aimed to encourage public political participation, even though political parties. On the other hand, the new cybercrimes law seems to undermine this progress, just about a year before the next elections.
Furthermore, as the World Food Program and major UN agencies curtail essential subsidies for Syrian refugees in Jordan, economic and financial challenges are likely to exacerbate. The government’s decision to introduce potentially illiberal policies puts at risk the already tenuous confidence of economically struggling citizens.
Significant to foreign investors
This is particularly significant as foreign investors, as well as multilateral and international organizations, might be deterred from engaging with a government projecting an illiberal image. Even donor agencies that have supported Jordan’s development plans may be more inclined to prioritize other countries.
Approximately 9 percent of the government’s revenue for its 2023 budget comes from international grants, while 36 percent of its operational budget depends on international sources. In light of these facts, it’s imperative that the government presents a liberal image to its Western allies and partners, especially since it might need to seek additional loans to cover budget deficits and improve its financial standing.
Mohammed Abu Dalhoum is Deputy CEO and Senior Research Analyst at NAMA Strategic Intelligence Solutions.
This article was originally published in Jordan News on August 20, 2023. For the original article source, click here.