Database

Browse Database

JORDAN

N/A

Pillar Intermediary liability  |  Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for any activity other than copyright infringement
Lack of intermediary liability framework in place for any activity other than copyright infringement
A basic legal framework on intermediary liability beyond copyright infringement is absent in Jordan's law and jurisprudence.
Coverage Horizontal

JORDAN

Reported in 2019, last reported in 2025

Pillar Intermediary liability  |  Indicator User identity requirement
Identity requirement for SIM cards
Jordan’s SIM registration framework mandates that mobile network operators collect and retain users’ personal data alongside verifiable proof of identity. In addition, it is reported that the regulatory regime stipulates the implementation of biometric authentication procedures, specifically requiring the capture of fingerprints.
Coverage Mobile network operators

JORDAN

Since January 1998, as amended in 2012, last amended in 2015

Pillar Intermediary liability  |  Indicator Monitoring requirement
Law No. 8 of 1998 on Press and Publications
قانون المطبوعات والنشر رقم 8 لعام 1998
The Press and Publication Law No. 8 of 1998, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2012 on Press and Publication, imposes liability on intermediaries for the content posted on news sites, leaving outlets potentially responsible for readers’ comments. Art. 49 of the Law states that both the editors-in-chief and the owners of online publications are legally responsible for all content posted to their sites, resulting in a monitoring requirement. Moreover, websites must refrain from publishing any “untruthful” or “irrelevant” comments.
Coverage Online News

JORDAN

Reported in 2018, last reported in 2024

Pillar Content access  |  Indicator Blocking or filtering of commercial web content
Blocking of commercial web content
The government periodically blocks websites and social media platforms, sometimes without clear justification. Since 2015, authorities have routinely restricted access to messaging apps during the days when secondary school students sit for their national exams (Tawjihi). In December 2022, TikTok was blocked amid protests by truck drivers over fuel price increases; although described as a “temporary ban,” the app reportedly remained inaccessible until the end of 2024. In 2024, hundreds of news websites were reportedly blocked for failing to obtain a license. In August 2023, the LGBT+ dating app Grindr was also reportedly blocked and remained inaccessible through the end of 2024. Widely used VPN services—such as ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, NordVPN, and TunnelBear—were blocked shortly after the social media app Clubhouse became inaccessible in March 2021, and many of these VPNs remained inaccessible as of June 2024. VPNs that allow users to bypass censorship have been targeted repeatedly. According to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), by 2023 the total number of blocked websites and apps had reached 300, with several of these blocks reportedly enacted at the request of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission to restrict access to unlicensed rideshare apps.
Coverage Social media, messaging apps, and VPNs

JORDAN

Reported in 2024, last reported in 2025

Pillar Content access  |  Indicator Presence of Internet shutdowns
Presence of Internet shutdowns
Internet shutdowns are rare in Jordan, although they have occurred in the past. During 2024, authorities reportedly conducted internet shutdowns amid protests and continued their annual practice of disrupting access to messaging applications during high school exams.
In addition, the indicator "7.2.4 - Government Internet shut down in practice" of the V-Dem Dataset, which measures whether the government has the technical capacity to actively make internet service cease, thus interrupting domestic access to the internet or whether the government has decided to do so, has a score of 3 in Jordan for the year 2024. This corresponds to "Rarely but there have been a few occasions throughout the year when the government shut down domestic access to Internet."
Coverage Horizontal

JORDAN

N/A

Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition  |  Indicator Functional/accounting separation for operators with significant market power
Requirement of accounting and functional separation for dominant network operators
It is reported that Jordan mandates functional and accounting separation for operators with significant market power (SMP) in the telecom market.
Coverage Telecommunications sector

JORDAN

Since February 2022

Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services  |  Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Government Procurement Regulation No. 8 of 2022
نظام المشتريات الحكومية رقم 8 لسنة 2022
Art. 15.b of the Government Procurement Regulation No. 8 of 2022 establishes a preference for domestic bidders or price preferences. Moreover, Art. 8.7 grants priority to domestic products over a foreign product if the bids are equivalent. The article stipulates that preference is given to local products determined by the Council of Ministers, provided that they fulfil the requirements stipulated in the purchase documents, and grants priority in terms of price only.
Coverage Horizontal

JORDAN

N/A

Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services  |  Indicator Signatory of the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) with coverage of the most relevant services sectors (CPC 752, 754, 84)
Lack of participation in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA)
Jordan is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). However, the country has been an observer of the WTO GPA since 2000.
Coverage Horizontal

JORDAN

Since February 2023

Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade  |  Indicator Maximum foreign equity share
Regulation No. 7 of 2023, Regulating the Investment Environment Regulation for the Year 2023
نظام تنظيم البيئة الاستثمارية رقم (7) لسنة 2023
In accordance with Art. 11 of Regulation No. 7, foreign ownership for import and export services is limited to less than 50%, except in instances where foreign equity is necessary for the purposes of performing the economic activity. It has been reported that the foreign equity limit is subject to approval by the Cabinet based on a recommendation by the Minister of Investment. Similar restrictions were stipulated in Art. 4 of Regulation No. 77 and, before, in Art. 3 of Regulation No. 54.
Coverage Import and export services

JORDAN

Reported in 2019, last reported in 2025

Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade  |  Indicator Screening of investment and acquisitions
Reported screening of foreign investments
It is reported that, in the interest of national security, foreign investors are required to undergo security screening administered by the Ministry of the Interior, which constitutes an integral part of the registration process.
Coverage Horizontal

JORDAN

Reported in 2023, last reported in 2025

Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)  |  Indicator Practical or legal restrictions related to the application process for patents
Reported requirement for local representation of foreign applicants
It is reported that, where the applicant does not reside in Jordan, a patent attorney or patent agent registered to practise before the Office must be appointed. In addition, if the applicant is represented by an agent, the provision of a power of attorney is required.
Coverage Horizontal

JORDAN

Since June 2017

Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)  |  Indicator Participation in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Jordan is a party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Coverage Horizontal

JORDAN

Since March 1992, last amended in June 2014

Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)  |  Indicator Copyright law with clear exceptions
Law No. 22 of 1992 on the Protection of Copyright and Neighboring Rights
قانون حماية حق المؤلف والحقوق المجاورة رقم 22 لسنة 1992
Jordan has a copyright regime under Law No. 22 of 1992. However, the exceptions do not follow the fair use or fair dealing model, therefore limiting the lawful use of copyrighted work by others. Art. 17 lists the exceptions, which include presenting for educational purposes; employing the work for private personal use; relying on the work for illustration in education; among others
Coverage Horizontal

JORDAN

Reported in 2021, last reported in 2024

Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)  |  Indicator Enforcement of copyright online
Lack of adequate enforcement of copyright online
Although Jordan has made strides in providing more comprehensive protection of intellectual property (IP) rights, significant challenges regarding IP protection and enforcement continue to persist. Reports indicate that both physical and online copyright infringement remain widespread, with a notable proportion of videos and software sold in the marketplace being pirated. Many retail outlets openly sell television set-top boxes that facilitate access to pirated content. The National Library, as the leading IP authority in Jordan, has acknowledged difficulties in combating these infringements, citing a lack of adequate resources.
Coverage Horizontal

JORDAN

Since April 2004

Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)  |  Indicator Adoption of the WIPO Copyright Treaty
WIPO Copyright Treaty
Jordan has ratified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty.
Coverage Horizontal

Report issue     Report new measure