The founder and member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Protection of Journalists has raised serious concerns about the potential impact of the proposed cybercrime law of 2023 if approved.

He told Roya that the new law could have far-reaching consequences affecting every Jordanian household and anyone residing in the country.

Mansour highlighted the widespread usage of social networking sites in Jordan, surpassing the number of residents, and stressed that the law might not be familiar to everyone despite its significance.

He questioned the compatibility of promoting political reform while introducing a draft cybercrime law that could restrict public space and freedom of expression.

One of the major worries expressed by Mansour is the potential overcrowding of courts due to an influx of defamation and libel cases, as outlined in the proposed legislation.

He argued that imposing harsh punishments might not effectively deter offenders and could lead to a burden on the judicial system.

It is expected that the project will soon be approved and implementation will start shortly in less than two weeks.

In an appeal to the Senate, Mansour urged them to reconsider the law "for the sake of Jordan," suggesting that indications point towards its eventual approval.

He emphasized the crucial role of social media as a platform for Jordanians to express their opinions and described it as a means to address societal issues and concerns.

Mansour stressed the importance of community dialogue and ample time to develop a law that addresses concerns without stifling freedom of expression.

He expressed worry that the draft law may discourage constructive criticism, providing immunity to government officials and setting a concerning precedent in Jordan.

While acknowledging the government's intention to combat electronic extortion and protect children from online abuse, Mansour expressed his organization's support for safeguarding Jordan's reputation while ensuring citizens' rights are not unduly compromised.

He also warned against potential implications, such as imprisonment for individuals unable to pay fines imposed under the new law.