Jordan's King Takes Action to Combat Online Speech Threatening National Unity

Jordan's King Abdullah II has approved a bill that criminalizes online speech deemed harmful to national unity, drawing criticism from human rights groups. The law, which amends a 2015 cybercrime law, allows for imprisonment and fines for posts promoting immorality, contempt for religion, or undermining national unity. It also prohibits the publication of names or pictures of police officers and certain methods of maintaining online anonymity. Critics argue that the law expands state control over social media, restricts access to information, and penalizes anti-government speech. Jordan has faced increasing crackdowns on freedom of expression, with authorities targeting protesters and journalists.