Jordan
Internet governance in Jordan has seen significant developments over the years. The country has experienced rapid growth in internet use, with the government promoting its benefits and imposing minimal restrictions. The government in Jordan has invested significantly in e-government initiatives to enhance service delivery and efficiency. Despite efforts to improve e-government services, Jordan’s global rank in e-government readiness remains relatively low, although it fares better compared to other Arab countries.
Internet governance
Jordan has established a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to govern the internet. This includes laws and regulations related to cybersecurity, data protection, and electronic transactions. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) is the primary body responsible for regulating and monitoring the telecommunications and information technology sectors in Jordan. It ensures compliance with international standards and facilitates the growth of these sectors.
Jordan’s approach to data protection is currently embedded within various laws and regulations rather than a single, comprehensive data protection law. Key aspects of data protection are covered under:
- Electronic Transactions Law: This law (Law No. 15 of 2015) includes provisions for the protection of personal data processed electronically. It mandates certain protections regarding the collection, processing, and sharing of electronic data.
- Cybercrime Law: While primarily focused on cybercrime, this law also touches on aspects related to unauthorized access to data and information systems.
- Telecommunications Law: Includes regulations that protect user privacy and personal data handled by telecommunications service providers.
A significant aspect of the discussion around internet governance in Jordan is the issue of censorship. The Jordanian government has occasionally (according to Freedom House – FREEDOM ON THE NET 2023) blocked access to websites and filtered online content for reasons including political dissent, security concerns, and moral objections. These actions have sparked a broader debate about freedom of expression online and the transparency of the methods used to implement content restrictions.
Digital strategies
Jordan has been proactive in developing and implementing digital strategies to enhance its technological infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and improve public services through digital transformation. These strategies are part of a broader vision to establish Jordan as a regional tech hub. Here’s an overview of the major digital strategies in Jordan:
1. Jordan’s National Digital Transformation Strategy (REACH 2025)
REACH 2025 is a national digital strategy aimed at accelerating the country’s digital transformation and development of the digital economy over the next five years. It focuses on several key areas:
- ICT Talent Development: Strengthening education and training in the ICT sector to prepare a skilled workforce.
- Supporting Startups: Providing resources, funding, and support systems to encourage the growth of tech startups.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Modernizing laws and regulations to create a favorable business environment for tech companies.
2. E-Government Program
This program aims to digitize government services to make them more accessible to the public. Key components include:
- Online Services: Launching platforms where citizens can access various government services online, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.
- Interoperability Framework: Developing standards and systems that allow different government databases and applications to work together seamlessly.
- Cybersecurity Measures: Ensuring the security and privacy of data handled by government platforms.
3. National Broadband Network Programm
The initiative aims to expand broadband access across Jordan, particularly in underserved and rural areas, to ensure equitable access to digital services. This includes:
- Infrastructure Development: Laying down fiber optic cables and enhancing mobile network coverage.
- Affordable Access: Working with service providers to offer affordable internet services to boost adoption rates.
4. Digital Skills and Literacy
To ensure that the wider population can participate in the digital economy, Jordan has invested in:
- Digital Literacy Campaigns: Programs aimed (such as Digital Skills for a Better Future Programme with support from UNICEF Jordan) at improving basic digital skills across all segments of society.
- Advanced ICT Training: Offering specialised training in areas such as AI, machine learning, and data analysis.
Cybersecurity
Jordan’s National Cyber Security Strategy for 2018-2023 outlines a structured approach to cybersecurity, aiming to protect cyberspace across various layers—international, national, sectoral, organizational, and individual. This comprehensive plan is designed to defend against a diverse array of cyber threats.
Strategic Protection Measures
The strategy emphasizes establishing systematic security measures that encompass all aspects of society and governance. By implementing robust protections across different levels, the goal is to shield Jordan’s digital infrastructure from the increasing threats that challenge cybersecurity globally.
Education and Public Awareness
A significant portion of the strategy is dedicated to education and raising public awareness about cybersecurity risks. It underscores the critical role of academia in providing the necessary skills and knowledge to citizens, equipping them to navigate and secure their digital environments effectively.
Legislation and Regulatory Framework
The Cybercrime Law, noted for its stringent controls over online content, exemplifies the legal measures being taken to combat cyber threats. This law penalizes online posts that are considered harmful to public morals, religious respect, or national unity with fines and even imprisonment. The law was criticised for its strict provision.
Institutional Support
Established in 2017 as part of the National Cybersecurity Center, JoCERT plays a vital role in responding to cybersecurity incidents. This entity is tasked with building a responsive and capable system for managing cyber operations, enhancing Jordan’s ability to react to and mitigate the impacts of cyber incidents.
AI strategies and policies
Jordan is advancing in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), leveraging its capabilities across various industries and solidifying its status as a regional hub for this cutting-edge technology. The Jordanian government is actively fostering AI growth through various initiatives that support research, development, and integration, thereby nurturing an ecosystem conducive to AI-driven entrepreneurship.
The IT sector in Jordan represents a significant portion of the economy, contributing 3.8% to the national GDP, with total revenues surpassing US$2.3 billion annually. The country’s AI landscape is burgeoning, supported by over 900 active IT companies and providing employment to approximately 26,000 individuals. Ranked 49th on the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI), Jordan is home to more than 25 business incubators, accelerators, and innovation centers.
Government efforts are also geared towards promoting the adoption of AI in public governance and services, as well as in sectors that have wide-reaching social impacts. AI is increasingly applied in vital sectors such as healthcare, finance, e-commerce, agriculture, and tourism, where it is driving efficiency and spearheading innovative solutions.
Jordan’s commitment to building AI capabilities continues with significant investments in education and research. Academic programs are increasingly incorporating AI disciplines, and research institutions are actively engaged in exploring the frontiers of AI technology.
The data is sourced from reputable international agencies and organizations. Hover over each field for source information and explanations.
General profile
Official name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
National internet domain: JO
Area: 89,341 km2
Capital: Amman
Population: 11.3 million
The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.Population growth: 0.45
Annual population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
Life expectancy at birth: 74.22
Total years (Estimate for 2022)The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
Rule of law estimate: 0.22
Rule of Law captures perceptions of the extent to which agents have confidence in and abide by the rules of society, and in particular the quality of contract enforcement, property rights, the police, and the courts, as well as the likelihood of crime and violence. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately -2.5 to 2.5 (Estimate for 2023)
Regulatory quality estimate: 0.16
Political stability: -0.30
Economic info
Currency: Jordanian dinar
Unemployment (%): 18.20
Unemployment, total (% of total labor force)The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
GDP (current US$): 50.8 billion
GDP growth (annual %): 2.62
GDP per capita (current US$): 4.5 thousand
The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.Inflation, consumer prices (annual %): 2.08
The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
Digital profile
Internet and social media penetration:
Individuals using the internet, total (%): 90.50
The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.Social media users: 6.4 million
Estimate for 2024Male internet users (%): 88.90
Male internet users as a % of total male population.The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
Facebook users: 5.3 million
Estimate for 2024Female internet users (%): 82.70
Female Internet users as a % of total female population.The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
Instagram users: 3.7 million
Estimate for 2024Households with internet access at home (%): 92.20
The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.Linkedin users: 1.6 million
Estimate for 2024Fixed broadband subscriptions: 7.04
Total fixed broadband subscriptions (per 100 people) refers to fixed subscriptions to high-speed access to the public internet (a TCP/IP connection), at downstream speeds equal to, or greater than, 256 kbit/s.The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
X users: 1.1 million
Estimate for 2024Mobile infrastructure and access:
Mobile ownership (%): 74.35
Mobile phone ownership as a % of total population (Estimate for 2023)Mobile Infrastructure: 70.46
Mobile Infrastructure index: High-performance mobile internet coverage availability. It includes parameters such as network coverage, performance, quality of supporting infrastructure and amount of spectrum assigned to mobile network operators (Estimate for 2023)Gender gap in mobile internet (%): 7.14
This metric evaluates the disparity in mobile internet access between genders. (Estimate for 2023)Mobile Affordability: 55.81
Mobile Affordability index : The availability of mobile services and devices at price points that reflect the level of income across a national population. It includes parameters such as mobile tariffs, headset prices, taxation and inequality (Estimate for 2023)Gender gap in mobile ownership (%): 18.32
Represents the disparity between genders in owning mobile devices. (Estimate for 2023)Top-Level Domains (TLDs) per person: 51.98
Number of generic and country Top Level Domains per person Estimate for 2023.Network performance: 65.20
Network performance index: Quality of mobile services measured by download speed, upload speed and latencies (Estimate for 2023)Mobile download speeds: 29.72
Mobile download speeds: Average download speed for mobile users (originally in Mbit/s) (Estimate for 2023)Mobile uploads speeds: 72.96
Mobile uploads speeds: average uploads speed for mobile users (originally in Mbit/s) (Estimate for 2023)Mobile Latencies: 92.93
Mobile Latencies: Average latency for mobile users (originally in milliseconds) (Estimate for 2023)Network Coverage (%): 91.38
Network coverage (% of total population) (Estimate for 2023)2G Coverage (%): 99.80
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2023)3G Coverage (%): 100
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2023)4G Coverage (%): 100
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2023)5G Coverage (%): 13.95
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2023)Operating system and browser market share estimate
Operating system market share (%):
Desktop, Tablet & Console Operating System Market Share: Estimate for 2024Browser market share (%):
Browser Market Share Worldwide: Estimate for 2024Android: 64.01
Chrome: 75.93
Win10: 9.47
Safari: 14.64
iOS: 16.10
Edge: 2.15
OS X: 1.48
Firefox: 0.86
Win11: 5.69
Samsung Internet: 4.93
The UN E-Government Survey
The UN E-Government Survey is the assessment of the digital government landscape across all UN member states. The E-Government Survey is informed by over two decades of longitudinal research, with a ranking of countries based on the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI), a combination of primary data (collected and owned by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs) and secondary data from other UN agencies.E-Government Rank: 89
Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), a combination of primary data (collected and owned by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs) and secondary data from other UN agencies. Estimate gives the country's rank.E-Government Index: 0.68
The EGDI is a composite measure of three important dimensions of e-government, namely: provision of online services, telecommunication connectivity and human capacity. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.E-Participation Index: 0.61
The E-Participation Index (EPI) is derived as a supplementary index to the United Nations E-Government Survey. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.Online Service Index: 0.75
The online services index was developed by the UN to evaluate the scope and quality of government online services. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.Human Capital Index: 0.64
The Human Capital Index (HCI) quantiï¬es the contribution of health and education to the productivity of the next generation of workers. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.Telecommunication Infrastructure Index: 0.64
Telecommunication Infrastructure Index- Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII) Composite Indicator that measures the countries' Telecommunication infrastructure readiness to adopt the opportunities offered by Information and Communication Technology as to enhance their competitiveness. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.Government AI Readiness Index
Ranking: 49
Global Ranking is calculated based on the total score. (Estimate for 2024).Total: 61.57
The total score is calculated by taking the arithmetic mean of each dimension, followed by the arithmetic mean of each pillar. The final score is the arithmetic mean of the three pillars, with all indicators, dimensions, and pillars weighted equally. (Estimate for 2024).Government: 74.92
This pillar evaluates a government's readiness and capability to implement AI responsibly and effectively. It includes several dimensions: the presence of a national AI strategy (Vision), regulations for data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity, along with ethical frameworks and accountability measures (Governance and Ethics). It also considers the existing IT infrastructure, online services, and promotion of emerging technology investments (Digital Capacity). Finally, it assesses the government’s ability to change and innovate effectively, including responsiveness to change, effectiveness, and use of procurement data (Adaptability). (Estimate for 2024).Technology Sector: 42.64
This pillar assesses the country's technology sector and its ability to support AI implementation. It includes the maturity of the sector, measured by metrics such as the number of AI and non-AI unicorns, value of trade in ICT services and goods, and spending on computer software (Maturity). It also evaluates the sector's capacity for innovation, considering factors like time spent dealing with regulations, availability of venture capital, R&D spending, company investment in emerging technology, and research papers published in AI (Innovation Capacity). Additionally, it examines the availability of skills within the population, focusing on STEM graduates, GitHub users, female STEM graduates, quality of engineering education, and ICT skills (Human Capital). (Estimate for 2024).Data and Infrastructure: 67.14
This pillar evaluates a country’s technological and data infrastructure to support AI implementation. It examines the quality of technological infrastructure, including telecommunications, supercomputing capabilities, broadband quality, 5G infrastructure, and the adoption of emerging technologies (Infrastructure). It also assesses the availability of data for training AI models, considering factors such as open data, data governance, mobile-cellular subscriptions, household internet access, and statistical capacity (Data Availability). Additionally, it considers the representativeness of the available data, focusing on metrics like the gender gap in internet access and the affordability of internet-enabled devices relative to GDP per capita (Data Representativeness). (Estimate for 2024).
