Amidst concerns voiced by opposition lawmakers and human rights organisations, King Abdullah II of Jordan has given his approval to a new cybercrime bill aimed at curbing online speech perceived as detrimental to national unity. The bill, which has sparked intense debate, is set to become law after receiving royal assent on Saturday. It is expected to take effect within a month of being published in the state newspaper Al-Rai, scheduled for Sunday.
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This legislation introduces stringent measures to address certain online posts, making them subject to imprisonment and fines. Targeted content includes posts perceived as promoting or inciting immorality, showing disrespect for religion, and undermining national unity. Moreover, the bill addresses the publication of names or images of police officers online and bans specific methods of maintaining online anonymity.
