The legal environment for internet users in Jordan has become increasingly restrictive due to new legislation. While owning a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is not explicitly criminalized, the government exercises significant control over the digital infrastructure. Authorities frequently block access to social media platforms and messaging applications during high school exams and political protests. The 2023 Cybercrime Law has further complicated the landscape by introducing penalties for broadly defined online offenses. (1)
The implementation of the new cybercrime legislation has raised concerns about the criminalization of circumvention tools used to access blocked content. Although the law does not issue a blanket ban on VPNs, it targets the use of technology that bypasses government censorship or hides user identity during alleged illegal acts. Users seeking anonymity or access to restricted information face potential legal challenges under these vague provisions, creating a climate of self-censorship. (2)
"Journalists, human rights, civil society organizations, legal analysts, and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern the vague language of the updated cybercrimes law enacted in 2023 and its implementation further limited freedom of expression and restricted civic space."
Technical blocking of VPN connections is a common method of enforcement employed by Jordanian authorities rather than individual prosecution. Reports indicate that during periods of civil unrest, many popular VPN protocols become inaccessible as the government filters internet traffic. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission grants the state broad powers to manage network activity, ensuring that access to restricted information remains difficult for the average user despite the availability of privacy tools. (1)
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/jordan/freedom-net/2024
https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/jordan
Last updated: 11-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
