“Cybercrime Laws in Jordan and Free Expression”

BLUF- This article takes a close look at Jordan’s 2023 Electronic Crimes Act and how the fight
against cyber crime might clash with freedom of speech. By comparing laws and checking out
policy changes, it shows that unclear definitions, tough penalties, and more government
oversight could hit marginalized groups like activists and journalists the hardest. The piece sheds
light on the struggle between safety and personal freedoms and suggests ways to make sure law
enforcement respects human rights.

Intro

The internet has changed how we talk to each other, do business, and interact socially.
But with all this change comes new problems, especially with cybercrime. In Jordan, as more
people go online, there’s been a jump in cybercrimes, which has led the government to create
laws to deal with these issues. Still, it’s tough to find a balance between keeping the country safe
and protecting personal freedoms, especially the right to speak freely. Recently, the Electronic
Crimes Act of 2023 has stirred up some debate about whether it threatens basic democratic
rights. This review looks at what Jordan is doing to handle cybercrime and how these new laws
might impact free speech online

How It Relates to Social Science

This topic connects with key social science ideas. It touches on power and governance
because the Jordanian government uses laws to shape acceptable online behavior. It also shows
the struggle between individual rights and control by institutions, especially about free speech in
online spaces. The article raises issues around fairness and human rights, pointing out that laws
can be unevenly applied, often hitting marginalized or opposing voices the hardest. There are
also important points about surveillance, legal inequalities, and how law affects public
discussion, which are central to studying today’s social systems.

Research Questions

The main question in the article is: “How do recent changes in laws, like the Electronic
Crimes Act 2023 in Jordan, affect free speech in the world of cybercrime?” While the author
doesn’t lay out formal hypotheses, they suggest that the 2023 Act might seriously threaten free
speech, particularly due to vague terms like “fake news” and “hate speech.” This idea is explored
through a detailed look at the law’s wording and its effects on society, especially compared to
earlier laws

Research Methods

he study uses a qualitative approach centered on legal and content analysis. It includes a
review of main sources like legal texts from the 2015 and 2023 Electronic Crimes Acts, along
with earlier proposed amendments from 2017 and 2018 that didn’t pass. The author also
references academic work and comments from human rights groups. A comparative legal
analysis is used to show differences between legal versions and what those differences might
mean. This method helps break down the complex legal language and its real impact on civil
rights.

Data and Analysis

The data involves legal texts, amendments, crime stats, and expert opinions. The study
breaks down the legal language to find key terms and patterns, focusing on how changes in
definitions and penalties can affect free speech. It also includes comparative data tables that
show rising cybercrime cases and the need for government regulation. The analysis connects this
data to international human rights standards, adding a global viewpoint.

Connection to Course Topics

The article relates to classroom themes such as free speech, social control, inequality, and
digital governance. It shows how laws can either empower or limit people based on how they are
created and enforced. The Electronic Crimes Act of 2023, with its vague definitions and heavy
fines, highlights the clash between ensuring safety and protecting personal rights. It also
illustrates how marginalized groups, like journalists and activists, often feel the brunt of fuzzy
legal guidelines

Impact on Marginalized Groups

The article highlights how unclear legal terms in the new Act especially harm
marginalized voices. Activists, opposition figures, and independent journalists are at a greater
risk of being punished for what’s considered “defamatory” or “harmful to national security,”
even when they’re just exercising free speech. The laws lack protections for minority groups or
those engaged in peaceful discussion, further deepening existing speech and justice inequalities.
This creates a situation where these groups are silenced by fear of legal action or financial
penalties

Social Contributions

This study benefits society in several ways. First, it offers a sharp legal evaluation of a
key law affecting millions of internet users in Jordan, making it important for legal experts,
policymakers, and civil society organizations. Second, it raises global awareness about how
cybercrime laws can be misused for political reasons, sparking international discussions on
human rights. Lastly, the article suggests ways to improve legislative clarity and fairness,
stressing the need for clear definitions and reasonable penalties that safeguard public safety
while promoting free expression.
Dr. Maghaireh’s article provides a timely look at the 2023 Electronic Crimes Act in
Jordan. By exploring how it might limit freedom of expression, the article shows that while
cybercrime laws are essential in today’s digital world, they need to be carefully crafted to
prevent misuse. The study’s analysis emphasizes the importance of aligning national laws with
democratic values and human rights. In the end, this research serves as both a warning and a
guide for countries aiming to regulate the internet without compromising personal freedoms.

References:

Maghaireh, A. M. (2024). Cybercrime Laws in Jordan and Freedom of Expression: A Critical
Examination of the Electronic Crimes Act 2023. International Journal of Cyber Criminology,
18(1), 15–36. Retrieved from https://www.cybercrimejournal.com/Maghaireh-IJCC-2024-vol18
issue1.pdf