Media: According to many observers, the media is either suppressed from speaking out about corruption or co-opted. Journalists are reportedly often bribed by the authorities to write favourable stories. The government officially proclaims its commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression, and has relinquished its monopoly on radio and television outlets and has issued a number of private broadcasting licences. Nevertheless, Freedom House 2010, along with other observers, indicates that the media in Jordan is mainly under state control and that independent journalists are often harassed and induced to practice self-censorship. Freedom of expression is relatively well-established in Jordan, so long as it is practiced within certain boundaries and does not, for example, discredit the royal family, foreign policy and foreign relations or mention corruption within the inner circles of power. The authorities have posted informers at printing presses; these informers regularly report to the government about offensive articles in the pipeline. The government can close print publications and ban books. The report also states that the government has given free rein to intelligence officials, police, and prosecutors to clamp down on undesirable speeches in 2009. Jordan's 1993 Press and Publications Law regulates freedom of expression and all publications are to be licensed by the government. The law also establishes the boundaries within which journalists can work - Article 150 of the Penal Code and other laws criminalise criticism of the royal family, slander of government officials and speech that harms Jordanian foreign relations, inflames religious sensitivities and undermines the state's reputation. Corruption in the higher circles of the political-administrative structures is another topic that is controversial for journalists to report about. Poet Haider Mahmoud and his family were harassed (his son had to resign from his position) for publicly, through a poem, speaking against corruption within the royal family. An ex-parliamentarian was also arrested for criticising corruption online. The government claims that access to internet is unrestricted, but according to observers several websites have been blocked, especially news sites. Reporters Without Borders 2011 ranks Jordan 112th out of 175 countries, while Freedom House 2010 ranks the country 140th out of 196 countries and describes its press environment as 'not free'. One might expect that unrest and the harsh criticism, expressed by the public, taking place in Jordan in the beginning of 2011 has reflected positively on the freedom of journalism and speech. However, Reporters Without Borders 2011 notes that freedom of speech remain under numerous restrictions despite legislative reform as well as positive statements from the king.

Civil Society: NGOs are registered at the Ministry of Social Development which regulates their activities. They must obtain governmental approval to be able to operate. There are many civil society organisations, but they are weak and only entitled to work in their specialised area. The NGOs are prohibited from participating in political activities and, if they are deemed subversive by the authorities, their licences are instantly withdrawn. A new law has been passed in 2008 stipulating, amongst other, that NGOs must apply and get approval from the cabinet to receive foreign funding.

Jordan Transparency Society (JTS): JTS is a NGO bringing together lawmakers, activists and business leaders with the aim of promoting a culture of transparency in Jordan and raising public awareness about the importance of fighting corruption. JTS was launched in July 2009 with the intention to conduct field studies and surveys and issue an annual report assessing the Jordanian government's efforts to fight corruption.

Arabian Alliance for Combating Corruption (AACC): The AACC is an alliance of CSOs dedicated to fight corruption. It comprises several Arab countries, including Jordan, and is headed by the Yemenite Human Rights Information and Training Center (in Arabic). The main aim of the AACC is to raise awareness about the risks of corruption and to enhance the role of CSOs in combating it. The AACC is organising capacity building sessions to empower CSOs in their fight against corruption.