Amman, May 5 (Petra) – Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani on Tuesday said the Cybercrime Law serves as a framework to protect society from hate speech, defamation and slander, stressing that most related cases are "individuals against individuals" rather than "state institutions against citizens." Speaking at an open dialogue at Petra University on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Momani warned that discrimination among Jordanians on the basis of race or religion constitutes "sedition," which is prohibited under law and societal norms.

He attributed occasional delays in official statements to what he described as the state’s reliance on a "school of accuracy" rather than a "school of speed that compromises precision," underscoring the importance of verified information and avoiding misinformation.

During the discussion, Momani cited a social media post circulated in the early years of digital platforms that triggered public panic, highlighting the risks of misinformation and its impact on public order and national stability.

He stressed that freedom of expression and press freedom are fundamental rights and a national asset, not a burden, adding that they must be balanced with responsibility to prevent disorder in the media environment.

Momani said the introduction of the "Digital Media Regulation System" provides a regulatory framework aligned with technological developments and aims to safeguard the profession from unqualified practices, noting that the future of media depends on producing high-quality, credible content that meets the expectations of digitally engaged audiences.

For his part, Petra University President Rami Abdul Rahim underlined the importance of journalists adhering to professional ethics grounded in integrity and credibility, referencing the principle that "not everything known should be said" as a guiding standard for responsible journalism.

He also warned against what he described as attempts by a "troublesome minority" in digital spaces to disseminate misleading content for exploitation and blackmail purposes, stressing the university’s commitment to graduating media professionals who uphold 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 timely access to information for journalists, stressing that press freedom remains a key indicator of societal freedoms.

//Petra// AJ