JORDAN
Since September 2023, entry into force in March 2024
Pillar Domestic data policies |
Indicator Framework for data protection
Law No. 24 of 2023 - Personal Data Protection Law
القانون رقم (24) لسنة 2023 قانون حماية البيانات الشخصية
القانون رقم (24) لسنة 2023 قانون حماية البيانات الشخصية
Law No. 24 provides a comprehensive regime of data protection in Jordan. The provisions of the Law are applicable to any personal and sensitive information processing of natural persons, whether such data was collected or processed before or after the effectiveness of the Law within Jordan, and apply to controllers who are also based outside of Jordan. The Law also applies to both domestic and international data transfers. In addition, the Law outlines several rights for individuals, namely the right to be informed, to access and obtain held data by the data controller, to object and withdraw consent, to correct, amend, add or update data, to restrict data processing, to be forgotten, to ensure data is erased, and to data portability. Furthermore, the Law includes obligations regarding the notification of data infringements and breaches to individuals.
Coverage Horizontal
JORDAN
Since May 2017
Since December 2018
Since December 2018
Pillar Domestic data policies |
Indicator Minimum period for data retention
Electronic Payment and Transfer of Money Regulation No. 111/2017
نظام الدفع والتحويل الالكتروني للأموال لسنة 2017
Instructions of Anti Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing For Electronic Payments and Money Transfer Companies No. 12/2018
نظام الدفع والتحويل الالكتروني للأموال لسنة 2017
Instructions of Anti Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing For Electronic Payments and Money Transfer Companies No. 12/2018
The Instructions of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing For Electronic Payments and Money Transfer Companies No. 12/2018, issued under the Payment and Transfer of Money Regulation No. 111/2017, introduces a data retention requirement of five years for transaction data and system logs (Art. 13).
Coverage Financial sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240626152850/https://www.dlapiperdataprotection.com/index.html?t=law&c=JO
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240918122657/https://www.cbj.gov.jo/ebv4.0/root_storage/en/eb_list_page/4c677a06-7a87-45f2-9f9b-f6be53761dc9.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240625005228/https://www.cbj.gov.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/4b130b44-4158-48f1-8163-6056edbdbc50.pdf
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JORDAN
Since September 2023, entry into force in March 2024
Pillar Domestic data policies |
Indicator Requirement to perform a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) or have a data protection officer (DPO)
Law No. 24 of 2023 - Personal Data Protection Law
القانون رقم (24) لسنة 2023 قانون حماية البيانات الشخصية
القانون رقم (24) لسنة 2023 قانون حماية البيانات الشخصية
Art. 11.a of the Personal Data Protection Law provides that the controller shall be committed to appointing a DPO in the following instances:
- If the main business of the controller is the processing of personal data;
- They process sensitive personal data;
- They process the personal data of natural individuals who do not have legal capacity;
- Processing includes financial information;
- The responsible person transfers personal data outside Jordan;
- Any other case for which the Council decides to oblige the controller to appoint a DPO.
Pursuant to Art. 11.b.2 of the Personal Data Protection Law, one of the duties of the controller is to carry out a periodic assessment and evaluation of the database, data processing systems, and systems, preserving the security and safety of data. The controller must document the outcomes of such assessment, issue the necessary recommendations for protecting the data, and implement such recommendations alongside monitoring procedures adopted for protecting data and documenting compliance with the law and relevant legislation.
- If the main business of the controller is the processing of personal data;
- They process sensitive personal data;
- They process the personal data of natural individuals who do not have legal capacity;
- Processing includes financial information;
- The responsible person transfers personal data outside Jordan;
- Any other case for which the Council decides to oblige the controller to appoint a DPO.
Pursuant to Art. 11.b.2 of the Personal Data Protection Law, one of the duties of the controller is to carry out a periodic assessment and evaluation of the database, data processing systems, and systems, preserving the security and safety of data. The controller must document the outcomes of such assessment, issue the necessary recommendations for protecting the data, and implement such recommendations alongside monitoring procedures adopted for protecting data and documenting compliance with the law and relevant legislation.
Coverage Horizontal
JORDAN
Since February 2018
Pillar Domestic data policies |
Indicator Requirement to allow the government to access personal data collected
Regulation Regulating the Transportation of Passengers through Smart Applications No. 9 of 2018
نظام تنظيم نقل الركاب من خلال استخدام التطبيقات الذكية صا نظام رقم (۹) لسنة ٢٠١٨
نظام تنظيم نقل الركاب من خلال استخدام التطبيقات الذكية صا نظام رقم (۹) لسنة ٢٠١٨
Art. 5 of the Regulation Regulating the Transportation of Passengers through Smart Applications provides that the Land Transport Regulatory Commission has the discretion to request from an operator of ride-hailing apps the information it holds in its database, specifically relating to the service provider, the vehicle, the passenger and ride.
It is reported that as a result of this regulation, the Ministry of Transportation, as well as judicial and security bodies, can access the companies’ servers and databases without a court order.
It is reported that as a result of this regulation, the Ministry of Transportation, as well as judicial and security bodies, can access the companies’ servers and databases without a court order.
Coverage Ride-hailing apps
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251205164435/https://freedomhouse.org/country/jordan/freedom-net/2024
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240718172928/https://www.ltrc.gov.jo/sites/default/files/d0001075_0.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221204131135/https://www.tamimi.com/law-update-articles/ride-hailing-apps-in-jordan/
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JORDAN
N/A
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for copyright infringement
Lack of intermediary liability framework in place for copyright infringements
A basic legal framework on intermediary liability for copyright infringement is absent in Jordan's law and jurisprudence.
Coverage Horizontal
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
Since May 2004
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Adoption of the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty
Jordan has ratified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Performances and Phonograms Treaty.
Coverage Horizontal
JORDAN
Since May 2000
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Effective protection covering trade secrets
Law No. 15/2000 on Trade Secrets and Unfair Competition Law
قانون المنافسة غير المشروعة والأسرار التجارية رقم 15 لسنة 2000
قانون المنافسة غير المشروعة والأسرار التجارية رقم 15 لسنة 2000
Jordan has established a legal framework that effectively safeguards trade secrets through Law No. 15/2000 on Trade Secrets and Unfair Competition. Arts. 5 to 7 of this Law delineate fundamental principles concerning the protection of trade secrets. Art. 5 affirms the rights of individuals who lawfully control trade secrets, enabling them to disclose, utilise, and protect these secrets from any form of misuse. Art. 6 characterises the misappropriation of trade secrets as the unauthorised acquisition, use, or disclosure of such secrets in contravention of fair commercial practices. This provision specifies particular violations, including breaches of contract and inducements to violate trust, while clarifying that individual access or reverse engineering does not amount to misuse. Finally, Art. 7 empowers the lawful controller of trade secrets to seek compensation for damages resulting from misuse and to initiate legal actions aimed at halting misuse, seizing misappropriated items, and preserving relevant evidence.
Coverage Horizontal
JORDAN
Reported in 2017, last reported in 2024
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Passive infrastructure sharing obligation
Requirement of passive infrastructure sharing
It is reported that there is an obligation for passive infrastructure sharing in Jordan to deliver telecommunications services to end-users, and this practice is observed in both the mobile and fixed-line sectors.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
JORDAN
Reported in 2015, last reported in 2024
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Presence of shares owned by the government in telecom companies
Presence of shares owned by the government in the telecom sector
The government of Jordan holds an equity stake in the Jordan Telecommunications Company (Orange Jordan) through the Social Security Corporation, which possesses 29% of the company’s issued shares.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251204154800/https://orange.jo/sites/default/files/documents/95598-Annual%20Report%202024%20EN%20DIGITAL.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251204154813/https://orange.jo/sites/default/files/documents/orange-annual-report-2022.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251204154829/https://orange.jo/sites/default/files/documents/orange_annual_report_2015_en.pdf
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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
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
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
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240715152316/https://moin.gov.jo/ebv4.0/root_storage/en/eb_list_page/investment_environment_regulation_no__(7)_for_the_year_2023-english_(2).pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240807195248/https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S446R1.pdf&Open=True
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241204030146/https://assets-global.website-files.com/601b3fe900f2a66ff84d23e2/60f0d27ac46014005895c42d_jordan-investment-law-l0rnabfi.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241204030148/https://majalilaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Non-Jordanian-Investments-Regulation-2000.pdf
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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
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251204150712/https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/jordan
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250321050414/https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-investment-climate-statements/jordan/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251204150644/https://www.state.gov/reports/2019-investment-climate-statements/jordan
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