Jordan has blocked nine unlicensed news websites. The blocked websites, include 7iber, Arabic for ink, an interactive website that published reports and features from contributors seeking to promote free speech and media freedom. The kingdom introduced a licensing system in 2012, which requires websites and broadcasters to seek the governments permission to operate. The disputed law […]
Jordan has blocked nine unlicensed news websites. The blocked websites, include 7iber, Arabic for ink, an interactive website that published reports and features from contributors seeking to promote free speech and media freedom.
The kingdom introduced a licensing system in 2012, which requires websites and broadcasters to seek the governments permission to operate. The disputed law gives the government powers to regulate electronic publications, requiring them to REGISTER with the countrys Media Commission and obtain a licence.
It says the chief editors of news websites must be members of the Jordan Press Association, giving the government the right to censor content and hold journalists liable for comments posted on webpages.
The Jordanian government aims to use this licencing system to ensure that it controls the Internet and the information published on it, said Virginie Dangles of Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
It must urgently repeal the Press and Publication Law provisions that are incompatible with Jordans international obligations, she said in a statement.
7iber had changed its website address after being blocked a year ago, along with more than 250 other sites.
Jordan has been sharply criticised for the measures by global rights watchdogs, as well as from journalists, activists and the main opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood, who see it as an attempt to impose censorship.