Arrr! Jordan be crackin' down on these scallywag VPNs and internet liberties with their newfangled cybercrime law!
2023-07-26
Avast ye mateys! The landlubbers and scribblers be demandin' the Jordan government to toss the newfangled cybercrime law overboard! They reckon it be snuffin' out our precious digital rights. Arrr, what a scallywag law it be, says I!
Internet freedoms in Jordan are under threat due to a proposed new cybercrime law. The bill seeks to criminalize the use of VPN services in certain scenarios and grants authorities extensive powers to censor online content, throttle websites, and block social media. The government claims that the law aims to combat disinformation, hate speech, and online defamation. However, activists, civil societies, and journalists both inside and outside of Jordan are urging policymakers to abandon the draconian law, arguing that it severely undermines digital rights. The US government has also expressed concerns about the impact on free speech and the country's technology sector.Critics argue that the broad language and vaguely defined terms in the draft legislation present a significant problem. Undefined terms such as fake news, promoting immorality, and undermining national unity could be used to punish individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression. Jordan has a history of prosecuting political dissidents and restricting civil rights, which raises further concerns about the impact of this law.
Additionally, the proposed law could punish individuals for using VPNs, which are commonly used to enhance online anonymity and access restricted content. While using a VPN itself would not be illegal, the authorities could use it as a justification to target journalists, political dissidents, and truth-seekers within the country. The law also grants public prosecutors and courts sweeping powers to order the removal of content, ban users, and obtain personal data. Furthermore, social media platforms with a significant number of subscribers in Jordan would be required to have offices in the country.
Digital rights advocates are calling for an open dialogue with the government to develop a law that addresses legitimate concerns without jeopardizing freedom of expression and other digital rights. They emphasize the need for a law that respects human rights and avoids the repressive and ambiguous nature of the current draft.