Media laws at Jordan
🇯🇴 Media Laws in Jordan
Jordan has a relatively open media environment compared to some countries in the Middle East. However, like many other nations, it balances freedom of speech and expression with national security, public order, and morality considerations. The legal framework governing media in Jordan involves constitutional principles, specific laws, and regulatory bodies that guide the conduct of both traditional media (television, radio, print) and digital media platforms.
While Jordan has provisions to ensure freedom of expression, there are restrictions in place regarding political speech, criticism of the government, and public order. The government has the authority to regulate the media, and media outlets often face pressure regarding self-censorship due to laws related to defamation, hate speech, and national security.
🧾 Key Legal Frameworks Governing Media in Jordan
1. The Constitution of Jordan (1952)
The Constitution of Jordan provides the foundation for freedom of expression and media freedom in the country.
Article 15: This article guarantees freedom of opinion, ensuring that all Jordanians have the right to express their views either orally, in writing, or through other forms of communication. It also acknowledges the role of the press in disseminating information and advocating for public opinions.
Article 16: Although freedom of the press is guaranteed, this freedom is subject to certain restrictions, particularly related to national security, public order, and public morals. This includes the prohibition of speech that incites violence, hatred, or discrimination.
2. The Press and Publications Law (1998)
The Press and Publications Law is a critical piece of legislation regulating print and digital media in Jordan. It applies to newspapers, magazines, and online publications.
Licensing: All media outlets, including newspapers and websites, are required to obtain a license from the Ministry of Media Affairs (formerly known as the Ministry of Information) to operate legally.
Content Restrictions: The law prohibits content that is considered offensive, slanderous, or detrimental to national unity. Media outlets are not allowed to publish materials that may be seen as critical of the monarchy, government policies, or national security.
Defamation and Blasphemy: Media organizations can face legal consequences for defamation or publishing content deemed blasphemous. This includes the protection of religion and prohibitions on content that might incite sectarian violence or damage public morals.
Journalistic Independence: The law sets out regulations to ensure that journalists can operate independently, although restrictions on political reporting and national security issues limit this independence.
3. The Audio-Visual Media Law (2015)
This law regulates broadcast media, including television and radio channels, and also applies to online broadcasting.
Licensing: Similar to print media, television and radio stations must be licensed by the Jordan Media Commission (JMC). The law requires all broadcast channels, whether public or private, to follow content guidelines set by the government.
Content Restrictions: The law restricts the broadcasting of material that could be seen as damaging to Jordan's public image, social values, national security, or relations with other countries. It also mandates that news broadcasts maintain balance and accuracy, particularly during election periods or discussions about sensitive political issues.
Regulation of Foreign Content: The law restricts the broadcasting of foreign content, especially programs that may be seen as conflicting with Jordanian cultural values or political ideology.
4. The Cybercrime Law (2015)
The Cybercrime Law governs online activities, addressing issues related to digital privacy, online speech, and data protection. It is a significant law in regulating digital media and social media platforms.
Online Defamation: This law makes online defamation and insults (including on social media) criminal offenses, with penalties for individuals who post content that harms the reputation of others or disturbs public order.
Social Media Regulation: The law gives authorities broad powers to regulate online content. This includes the power to block websites or social media pages that publish content deemed offensive, disruptive to public order, or harmful to national security.
Data Protection: The law also provides provisions on protecting the privacy of individuals’ personal data in online platforms, though there are concerns that it may be used to limit freedom of speech.
5. The National Security Law (1959)
Jordan's National Security Law contains provisions that allow the government to regulate media content that is perceived as a threat to national security.
Content Restrictions: Media outlets are prohibited from publishing material that may undermine the country’s security, incite terrorism, or disrupt public order. This includes restrictions on reporting about military activities, internal politics, or security operations.
Penalties for Violations: Individuals and media organizations found to be in violation of the National Security Law may face legal action, including fines or imprisonment.
6. The Audio-Visual Media Regulatory Authority (Jordan Media Commission)
The Jordan Media Commission (JMC) is the regulatory body that oversees the implementation of the Audio-Visual Media Law and ensures compliance with licensing and content regulations for broadcast media.
Broadcast Licensing: The JMC is responsible for issuing broadcasting licenses and ensuring that content on television and radio stations meets the legal requirements.
Monitoring and Enforcement: The Commission is also tasked with monitoring media content and ensuring that broadcasters adhere to standards of accuracy, objectivity, and public morality.
7. The Telecommunications Law (1995)
The Telecommunications Law regulates telecommunication services, including internet services and broadcasting.
Internet Regulation: The law grants the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) authority to monitor and regulate internet service providers (ISPs) and cybersecurity in Jordan. It gives the government the ability to block websites and monitor internet traffic.
Monitoring of Online Activities: The TRC can also order the blocking of websites that violate Jordan's national security, public order, or moral standards, often related to content deemed blasphemous, pornographic, or politically sensitive.
🏛️ Regulatory Bodies in Jordan
Jordan Media Commission (JMC):
The JMC regulates the broadcast media sector, ensuring compliance with media laws regarding content standards and broadcasting licenses. It has oversight over television, radio, and online streaming platforms.
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC):
The TRC is responsible for regulating telecommunications services and overseeing internet service providers in Jordan. It has the authority to block websites and monitor internet content.
The Ministry of Media Affairs:
This government body oversees media policy, including journalism ethics, licensing of media organizations, and media-related legislation in Jordan. It ensures the implementation of media laws and provides oversight to ensure that content remains within the legal framework.
🚨 Challenges and Criticism
1. Freedom of Speech and Expression
While Jordan's Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, many journalists and media outlets operate under pressure due to the restrictions imposed by laws concerning national security and defamation. The government has been criticized for limiting freedom of expression, particularly with respect to political dissent.
2. Self-Censorship
Media outlets in Jordan often engage in self-censorship to avoid violating the restrictions imposed by the Press and Publications Law, the Cybercrime Law, and other regulations. This is especially true in reporting on government policies and sensitive political issues.
3. Control Over Digital Media
The Cybercrime Law and Telecommunications Law grant the government significant powers to regulate and censor digital media and social media platforms. This has raised concerns about the freedom of online speech and the broad discretion exercised by authorities in blocking content.
4. Limited Press Independence
While there is a diversity of media outlets in Jordan, many journalists and editors face pressures to avoid critical reporting on the royal family or government figures. There are legal consequences for media organizations and journalists who cross these boundaries.
✅ Summary Table
| Law / Regulation | Focus | Impact on Media |
|---|---|---|
| Constitution of Jordan (1952) | Freedom of expression | Guarantees media freedom, but with restrictions |
| Press and Publications Law (1998) | Print and online media regulation | Controls licensing, content, and media ethics |
| Audio-Visual Media Law (2015) | Broadcasting regulations | Regulates television and radio broadcasting |
| Cybercrime Law (2015) | Online media and cybercrime | Criminalizes online defamation and regulates digital content |
| National Security Law (1959) | National security and media restrictions | Limits media reporting on security and political matters |
| Telecommunications Law (1995) | Internet regulation and censorship | Grants power to block websites and monitor online content |
🌍 International Rankings
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) – 2024 Press Freedom Index:
Jordan ranks 128th globally in terms of press freedom. While the country has a relatively free press compared to some of its neighbors
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