Lower House Passes Cybercrimes Bill After Okaying Senators’ Amendments

The Lower House of Parliament on Wednesday approved the draft electronic crime law, which had been amended by the Senate. The Senate had made amendments to Articles 15, 16, and 17 of the draft law, which were subsequently approved by the Lower House. The Senate’s amendments to Article 15 included the removal of the conjunction “and” after the phrase “three months,” replacing it with “or,” and the addition of the phrase “or both of these penalties.” The amended Article 15 now criminalizes the deliberate transmission, re-transmission, or publication of false news, defamation, libel, or slander against any person via the internet, information technology, information system, website, or social media platforms. Violators of this provision face imprisonment for a period no less than three months or a fine of no less than 5,000 dinars and not exceeding 20,000 dinars, or both of these penalties. Furthermore, the Public Prosecution may pursue these crimes without the need for a complaint or civil lawsuit if they are directed at government authorities or public employees. The Senate’s amendment to Article 16 involved the deletion of the conjunction “and” after the phrase “three months,” which was replaced with “or.” The phrase “of 25,000 dinars and not exceeding 50,000 dinars” was also removed, and the phrase “or both of these penalties” was added. The amended Article 16 now criminalizes the spread of rumors or unfounded accusations via the internet, information technology, information system, website, or social media platforms that would damage a person’s reputation. Violators of this provision face imprisonment for a period no less than three months or a fine of no less than 5,000 dinars and not exceeding 20,000 dinars, or both of these penalties. The Senate’s amendment to Article 17 involved the deletion of the conjunction “and” after the phrase “three years,” which was replaced with “or.” The phrase “or both of these penalties” was added. The amended Article 17 now criminalizes the use of the internet, information technology, information system, website, or social media platforms to incite sedition, strife, hatred, violence, or contempt for religions. Violators of this provision face imprisonment for a period of three years or a fine of no less than 5,000 dinars and not exceeding 20,000 dinars, or both of these penalties.

Source: Jordan News Agency