Amman: Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani emphasized the role of the Cybercrime Law in safeguarding society against hate speech, defamation, and slander during a dialogue at Petra University. He highlighted that most cases pertain to "individuals against individuals" instead of "state institutions against citizens," and warned against discrimination based on race or religion, which constitutes "sedition" as per societal and legal norms.
According to Jordan News Agency, Momani explained that delays in official statements are sometimes due to the state's focus on accuracy over speed, stressing the importance of verified information to prevent misinformation. He referenced an instance of a social media post that caused public panic, illustrating the potential risks misinformation poses to public order and national stability.
Momani reiterated that freedom of expression and press freedom are essential rights and national assets that require a balance with responsibility to maintain order in the media environment. He introduced the "Digital Media Regulation System" as a new framework to align with technological advancements and protect the media profession from unqualified practices. He noted that the future of media hinges on producing high-quality, credible content to satisfy an increasingly digital audience.
Petra University President Rami Abdul Rahim emphasized the need for journalists to adhere to professional ethics based on integrity and credibility, advocating for responsible journalism. He cautioned against a "troublesome minority" using digital platforms to spread misleading content for exploitation, expressing the university's dedication to nurturing media professionals committed to objectivity, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility.
Dean of the Faculty of Media, Ali Najadat, called for a review of the Right to Information legislation to ensure journalists have timely access to information, underlining that press freedom is a vital indicator of societal freedoms.