A security source has urged Jordanians to check the authenticity of news stories, pictures and videos before sharing them on social media and causing a commotion.

This comes after a picture of a policeman tightly grabbing a small boy by the neck made the rounds on Jordanian social media this week.

Internet users claimed that the picture was taken in Irbid, and while the source neither confirmed nor denied that small detail, he confirmed that the photo was taken five years ago, adding that the Public Security Directorate (PSD) opened an investigation into the incident at the time and dismissed the policeman in question.

In August, the government once again advised individuals - both citizens and journalists - to “think twice” before publishing posts that they are unsure of on social media, as they could potentially “ignite national fear.”