Jordan Licensing Law
In May 2014, one year after Jordan’s government blocked hundreds of news websites for failing to obtain a license, IPI representatives travelled to the country to look at the after-effects of the decision and to identify necessary changes to Jordan’s regulatory framework.
In a report published following the visit, IPI called on authorities to rescind the licensing requirement and to take steps to reform other legislation that threatens press freedom.
More about Jordan’s Licensing Law
Turkey and Social Media Bans
Turkey’s government has issued a number of blanket bans on social media platforms in recent years, most recently bans on Twitter and YouTube after wiretapped conversations purporting to document government corruption were shared on those platforms ahead of municipal elections in March 2014. The country’s Constitutional Court overturned those bans, but the government’s antagonistic relationship to criticism levelled online continues to put pressure on journalists and activists who feel their voices are no longer represented in mainstream media.
More about developments involving online media in Turkey:
Turkish journalists threatened in social media
IPI calls on authorities, supporters to avoid ‘dangerous’ rhetoric
IPI deeply disappointed by Turkey Twitter ban
Says ‘futile’ effort to control news moves country ‘closer to autocracy’
IPI urges Turkish president to reject Internet law amendments
Observers warn changes threaten free expression
