Photo courtesy of Medium

 

In a concerted effort to curb cybercrime, a new law has been introduced to tackle the misuse of personal data, marking a significant step forward in protecting digital privacy. Announced by the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC), the Royal Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Cybercrime 2025 was officially published in the Royal Gazette, coming into effect on April 13.

 

The cornerstone of this legislation is the stringent protection of personal data, with severe penalties designed to deter potential violators. Under the new rules, sharing personal data without consent could result in up to one year of imprisonment and fines reaching 100,000 baht. More severe penalties await those buying or selling such data; offenders may face up to five years in prison, a fine of as much as 500,000 baht, or both.

 

According to PDPC Secretary General, Police Colonel Surapong Plengkham, this decree addresses the growing threat of data exploitation by online scammers and call centre gangs, aiming to dismantle the roots of cybercrime. Notably, the law extends its protective reach to the data of deceased individuals, prohibiting its use in criminal or technological offences, thereby closing loopholes that could be exploited for malicious purposes.

 

 

 

This legislative development builds upon the existing Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), reinforcing efforts to thwart the sinister misuse of personal data. Pol. Col. Surapong emphasized the importance of public vigilance, advising individuals to safeguard their sensitive information and swiftly report any incidents of data compromise.

 

To support these efforts, the PDPC has established the PDPC Eagle Eye Centre. This new body works in tandem with the Cyber Police’s Cyber Eye Centre, ensuring continuous surveillance of personal data breaches and rigorous enforcement of the law.

 

The introduction of this law marks a proactive approach in the fight against cybercrime, setting a precedent for comprehensive legal protection in the digital age. As it takes effect, it serves as a crucial instrument in safeguarding both personal and national digital security, assuring citizens that their privacy is being robustly defended.

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger

 

-- 2025-04-22

 

 

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSJxyVCuDzUy128uRFa6vC1toWddAb3-qg3paBDnwaEFw&s&ec=72940542

Some of this seems similar to the Hong Kong "anti-doxxing" law.  In HK "It is an offence to disclose any personal data without the data subject's consent with an intent to cause harm to the data subject or any family member of the data subject".  Such behaviour is apparently down by 40% as a result of the new law that came in about 4 years ago; as is standard for Hong Kong, the police and criminal justice system shows zero tolerance for this.

 

https://www.thestandard.com.hk/search?query=doxxing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doxing

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a concerted effort to curb cybercrime, a new law has been introduced to tackle the misuse of personal data, marking a significant step forward in protecting digital privacy

Keep trying