The Implications of Jordan’s Cybercrime Law on the LGBT Community

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

Vague Provisions Threaten Free Expression Around Gender and Sexuality

The recent approval of Jordan‘s draconian cybercrime law has raised concerns among human rights activists, particularly those advocating for the rights of the LGBT community. The law, which was rushed through parliament, poses a significant threat to the rights of individuals both online and offline, including the rights to free expression and privacy. Furthermore, the law contains vague provisions that could potentially target and harm marginalized groups, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.

Under articles 13 and 14 of the 2023 Cybercrime Law, the production, distribution, or consumption of “pornographic content,” which remains undefined, is criminalized. Additionally, content that is deemed to be “promoting, instigating, aiding, or inciting immorality” is also punishable by at least six months’ imprisonment and a fine. These ambiguous provisions have the potential to be weaponized against digital content relating to gender and sexuality, as well as individuals who use online platforms to advocate for LGBT rights.

Of particular concern is the law’s impact on the right to anonymity. Article 12 appears to prohibit the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), proxies, and Tor, which are tools often used by LGBT individuals to protect themselves online. This effectively forces individuals to choose between maintaining their identity security and freely expressing their opinions. LGBT rights activists fear that the new law will not only suppress their online expression but also intensify interference in their private lives.

Jordan‘s History of Targeting LGBT People and Online Censorship

It is important to note that Jordanian authorities have a track record of using cybercrime laws to target and oppress the LGBT community, intimidate activists, and censor content related to gender and sexuality. A 2023 report by Human Rights Watch sheds light on the far-reaching offline consequences of online targeting against LGBT individuals, including in Jordan. Many LGBT people in Jordan express feelings of insecurity in openly expressing their sexual orientation or gender identity online, resulting in a detrimental impact on LGBT rights activism in the country.

In one case documented in the report, a gay man from Jordan was sentenced to six months in prison in 2021 under a provision in the 2015 cybercrime law that criminalized “promoting prostitution online.” This occurred after he sought protection from online extortion by reporting the incident to the authorities. Another gay activist revealed that he is regularly summoned for interrogation by Jordan‘s intelligence agency whenever content related to LGBT rights in Jordan is shared on social media. With the implementation of the new cybercrime law, these abusive practices are likely to worsen, which will further restrict freedom of expression and expand censorship.

Protecting Everyone’s Rights: The Urgent Need for Repealing the 2023 Cybercrime Law

To ensure the protection of the rights of all individuals, including the LGBT community, it is crucial that Jordanian authorities take immediate action to safeguard freedom of expression online and the privacy of digital communications. The first step towards rectifying this situation is the repeal of the 2023 Cybercrime Law, which poses a significant threat to the fundamental principles of human rights.

The international community must play an active role in advocating for the repeal of this law and offer support to those who are fighting for equality and protection of the LGBT community in Jordan. Human rights organizations, governments, and individuals can make a difference by raising awareness about this issue, supporting local activists, and putting pressure on the Jordanian government to uphold its obligations to protect and respect the rights of all its citizens.

By working together and speaking out against unjust laws like the 2023 Cybercrime Law, we can strive towards a world where everyone is free to express themselves and live their lives without fear of discrimination or persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

(Word count: 685)