The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, is deeply concerned about the newly issued measures for regulating Internet cafés in Jordan.

According to information before IPI, the Jordanian Ministry of Interior has recently issued regulations for the close monitoring of Internet cafés under the pretext of “maintaining security.” The newly announced measures on “Organising the Work of Internet Cafés and Centres” obliges Internet café owners to install cameras to monitor users; register users’ personal data (including name, telephone number, time of use, Internet provider number and data accessed); install censorship programmes to prohibit access to certain websites, including websites offending religious beliefs or promoting the use of drugs and alcohol; and grants Jordanian Security Services the right to visit any Internet café to ensure compliance.

This move by the Ministry of Interior comes as a strong blow to Jordan’s 500-odd Internet cafés and their users. Although Internet use is not extensively regulated in Jordan, all Internet Service Providers (ISP) have to pass through the governmental network in order to connect to the Internet, which means they may be exposed to censorship at any time.

“These regulations are not only a blatant violation of the right of individuals to freely access information, but are also in stark contrast to King Abdullah’s commitments made to IPI, in February 2000, to promote reform in the area of press freedom,” said IPI Director David Dadge.

“I am alarmed at this latest development and call on the Jordanian Ministry of Interior to seriously reconsider the implementation of such regulations,” Dadge added.