Civil Liability of the Website Owner for Damages Arising from Published Harmful Content under Jordanian Law

Yassin Ahmad Al-Qudah1, Mohammad Al-Thunibat2, Mamoon Ahmad Al-Hunaiti3 & Belal Hassan Alrwashdeh4

https://doi.org/10.62271/pjc.16.1.533.548

Abstract
Due to advanced Internet technology, there’s a growing need for legal frameworks overseeing website creation and monitoring to prevent misuse, especially on social media. Legislators established laws holding website owners responsible for content under their supervision, requiring them to prevent and remove offensive material. Victims of harmful online content can seek criminal penalties, compensation, and site blocking. Like print laws, electronic publishers, and site supervisors face accountability for damaging content, prompting the need
for legislation, as outlined in Jordanian Press and Publications Law Article 49. This law considers online comments as journalistic material, holding publishers and site supervisors jointly responsible. It empowers authorities to prevent harmful content publication, allowing victims to seek legal recourse in civil courts for damages.

Keywords: Civil liability, website owner, harmful content, Jordan, law