Thailand condemned for adopting ‘cyber martial law’
The Cybersecurity Act, approved unanimously, is the latest in a wave of new laws in Asian countries that assert government control over the internet
Bangkok — Thailand’s military appointed parliament on Thursday passed a controversial cybersecurity law that gives sweeping powers to state cyberagencies, despite concerns from businesses and activists over judicial oversight and potential abuse of power. The Cybersecurity Act, approved unanimously, is the latest in a wave of new laws in Asian countries that assert government control over the internet. Civil liberties advocates, internet companies and business groups have protested against the legislation, saying it would sacrifice privacy and the rule of law, and warning compliance burdens could drive foreign businesses out of Thailand. The military government has pushed for several laws it said would support the country’s digital economy, including an amendment to the Computer Crime Act in 2017, which has been used to crack down on dissent. Internet freedom activists have called the legislation “cyber martial law”, as it encompasses all procedures from everyday encounters of slow ...
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