Jordan’s semi-official National Centre for Human Rights denounced the new cyber crimes law which it says deprives citizens of access to information, the Jordan Times reported Thursday (August 12th).

The government last week announced it blocked public-sector employees from accessing a total of 40 websites, including local news sites, to reduce wasted time and improve performance.

"The government’s intention to block news websites in all public institutions reflects its intention to resort to secrecy rather than openness and transparency with regards to its performance," the centre said in a statement.

"The law does not undermine freedom of expression or the press," said government spokesman Ali Ayed. "It criminalizes only acts committed with intent to harm, not those committed in good faith."