Legal Awareness
Online Defamation in Jordan: When Can a Social Media Post Lead to Liability?
When might a post, comment or reshare raise legal issues in Jordan? A careful overview of Article 15 of the Cybercrime Law and practical steps for preserving evidence.
How is a social media post assessed under the law?
Social media is part of everyday life, and posts, images and messages can spread within seconds, Still, disagreement or a negative opinion does not automatically make content a crime, Calling it “just an opinion” does not settle the question either.
The assessment depends on the content, its context, how it was shared, the legal provision that may apply and the available evidence, A headline or isolated screenshot is not enough to determine liability.
What does Jordan’s Cybercrime Law address?
Article 15 of Jordan’s Cybercrime Law No. 17 of 2023 addresses intentionally sending, resending or publishing data through an information network, information technology, information system, website or social media platform when it includes false news targeting national security and community peace, or defamation, libel or insult of a person.
The provision does not make every post or comment an offence automatically, The legal classification depends on the elements of the applicable rule and an assessment of the facts and evidence in each case.
Can private messages or resharing raise legal questions?
Article 15 refers to sending, resending and publishing, so potential liability is not necessarily limited to the person who first wrote the content, At the same time, resharing alone does not automatically establish liability; the content, intent, context and circumstances need to be assessed.
A private message must be considered in light of its content, how it was sent, the surrounding circumstances and the applicable provisions, There is no single conclusion that can be applied to every message or conversation.
Does using a pseudonym decide the issue?
The name displayed on an account does not, by itself, establish who posted the content or rule out that person’s identity, Using a pseudonym is also not automatically the same as creating an account falsely attributed to someone else; Article 5 addresses creating an account, page or group falsely attributed to a natural or legal person, a distinct issue that depends on its facts.
Attribution and whether a particular act breaches the law depend on evidence, procedure and assessment by the competent authorities, Avoid asserting someone’s identity based on a screenshot alone.
What evidence may be useful to preserve?
If you are involved in an online-communications dispute, these records may help you explain what happened to a lawyer or the relevant authorities, Keep original files unchanged; a screenshot alone does not guarantee a particular legal outcome, Deleting a post does not remove copies others may have saved or settle the legal effect of the incident.
- Clear screenshots of the post or message, including any visible context and date.
- The page or post URL and the account name as they appeared when recorded.
- A copy of the conversation or original file where available, rather than only a cropped image.
- Relevant recordings, files and digital data, with the original version preserved.
- Other information that helps explain the circumstances, without editing or further widely sharing the content.
What should you do if a post targets you?
If you find a post or message that appears abusive toward you, stay calm and preserve what you can before the content changes, These steps can help organize the information for legal review.
- Save a copy of the content, the URL and the account name.
- Record the date and time when you saw it, if possible.
- Keep original files unchanged and avoid threats or retaliatory insults.
- Do not further circulate the content widely as a response.
- Consult a lawyer to assess the facts and appropriate steps before taking legal action.
What should you consider before publishing an accusation?
Before publishing an accusation or information about another person, check its source and context and consider the effect of resharing it, Freedom of expression is not an absolute exemption from liability, but criticism or disagreement alone does not establish that a crime occurred.
Posts, comments and electronic messages may raise legal issues, but a specific case cannot be decided by a general rule or isolated phrases, The applicable provision, content, context, intent and evidence must be assessed together, This article provides general legal awareness and is not advice tailored to an individual case.
Related Articles
This article provides general legal awareness and is not a substitute for legal advice tailored to the circumstances of an individual matter.