Jordan’s New Cybercrime Law is a Disaster for LGBT People

 | 
08/14/2023

On Saturday Jordan’s king approved a draconian cybercrime law that was rammed through parliament and is significantly worse than its antecedent. The law jeopardizes rights online and offline, including free expression and the right to privacy, and contains vague provisions that could target marginalized groups, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. The 2023 Cybercrime Law, under articles 13 and 14, punishes the production, distribution, or consumption of “pornographic content,” which is undefined, and content “promoting, instigating, aiding or inciting immorality,” with at least six months’ imprisonment and a fine. These provisions could target digital content around gender and sexuality, as well as individuals who use digital platforms to advocate for the rights of LGBT people. The law also threatens the right to anonymity under article 12 by appearing to prohibit use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), proxies, and Tor, which many LGBT people use to shield themselves online, effectively forcing individuals to choose between keeping their identity secure and freely expressing their opinions.

Regions: ,

Share this:

Latest Global News

Added on: 12/22/2024
12/21/2024
Hello readers. It’s Friday, December 20th, 2024. As a reminder, legislative sessions are different for each state — and you can keep track of …
Added on: 12/22/2024
12/21/2024
Trans rights are becoming increasingly ‘polarised’ in Europe and Central Asia, a map has shown. Campaign group TGEU’s annual Trans Rights Map ranks the …
Added on: 12/21/2024
12/20/2024
Campaigners demanded an urgent review of the puberty blockers ban last night over a trans lobby group’s offer to help children exploit loopholes. Hours …

Explore LGBTQ+ Issues

Other News from ,

Added on: 12/20/2024
Two trans women have made history in Nepal for running in local elections. Despite neither one winning her race, the LGBTQ+ community is still …
Added on: 12/18/2024
Andhra Pradesh high court on Tuesday upheld the freedom of a lesbian couple and directed their parents to not interfere with their lives. Observing …
Added on: 12/17/2024
As a queer Syrian man, Khaled Alesmael remains “cautious” about the rebel leadership who have taken over his home country. Having watched LGBTQ+ people …