MPs pass 2019 cyber security law

The Lower House on Tuesday endorsed the 2019 cyber security law.  

The draft bill organises procedures of protecting systems, networks and programmes from threats facing IT systems and infrastructure, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The draft law defines “cyber security” as the procedures taken to protect IT systems, networks and critical infrastructure against cyber security incidents, and the ability for these structures to continue operating, whether the reason of the threat was due to lack of authority, misuse, failure to follow security procedure or deception. 

The bill defines critical infrastructure as the set of systems, e-networks, tangible and intangible assets, cyber assets and systems whose continuous operation is considered a necessity to guarantee the security of the state and economy and the safety of society. 

The bill stipulates the establishment of a national council for cyber security with its president to be appointed by a Royal Decree.

Members of the council will be from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the Central Bank of Jordan, the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, the General Intelligence Department, the Public Security Department and the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management.

Under the law, a national centre for cyber security will also be established with the aim of building a national effective structure for cyber security to safeguard the national security and the safety of individuals, properties and information. 

The law entails penalties against violators, starting from a fine between JD500 and JD100,000 with the possibility of doubling the fine in case of repeat violations.