Jordan's King Approves Controversial Cybercrime Law

King Abdullah II of Jordan has approved a controversial cybercrime law that aims to crack down on online speech deemed harmful to national unity. The law, criticized by opposition lawmakers and human rights groups, will make certain online posts punishable with prison time and fines, targeting content promoting immorality, contempt for religion, and undermining national unity. The legislation also outlaws certain methods of maintaining online anonymity and publishing names or pictures of police officers. The law has been described as "draconian" by rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, and has drawn criticism from the United States.