"Jordanians protest proposed cybercrime law"

The draft law introduces criminal charges related to the use of the internet and social media, such as undermining national unity, inciting immorality, spreading fake news, character assassination, and publishing hate speech....

According to reports, the proposed law bans VPN technology, which is used widely by Jordanians to circumvent restricted internet access in the country. Furthermore, it introduces criminal charges related to the use of the internet and social media, such as undermining national unity, inciting immorality, spreading fake news, character assassination, and publishing hate speech. Human rights groups have demanded that the draft law be scrapped as it poses a threat to the digital rights of Jordanians.

Opposition to the bill is also growing among the general public. Hundreds of protesters, organized by a “coordinating committee” formed by activists, gathered in front of the parliament in the capital Amman on Wednesday. They marched in the central downtown area of the city, demanding that the House of Representatives withdraw the bill. Activists and others also protested online using the hashtag ‘a state not a prison.’ Various civil society groups and political parties participated in the protests....

Reporters without Borders (RSF) said, “With its imprecise language and punitive approach, it allows prosecutors to exercise tighter control over online media and encourages self-censorship...."