Gov spokesman clarifies computing legislation

[webfact]

Gov spokesman clarifies computing legislation

 

BANGKOK, 19 December 2016 (NNT) – The government has affirmed that the public can continue to use the Internet according to international standards as it is only seeking to probe or shut down websites with illegal, immoral or insecure content. 

Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd has confirmed that a hacker group attempted to infiltrate government servers but assured they were unsuccessful. He cited the attempt however as an example of why the nation’s computing laws need to be updated while clarifying that claims the hacking was successful were merely an attempt to cause confusion and discord. 

The spokesman sought to make clear that the government does not have a ‘Single Gateway’ policy as it would be impractical and in contradiction to the administration’s support of technological development. 

Lt Gen Sansern explained that new legislation to do with computing in Thailand assures Internet usage according to international standards and free movement in the digital realm. Nonetheless, the government will seek to address threatening websites and counteract illegal, immoral or insecure websites. He stated that if the state monitors certain aspects of Internet traffic, the topics will be chosen by a committee and will require a court order.

 

-- nnt 2016-12-19

[Pib]

Quote

BANGKOK, 19 December 2016 (NNT) – The government has affirmed that the public can continue to use the Internet according to international standards as it is only seeking to probe or shut down websites with illegal, immoral or insecure content. 

 

Sure.

 

 

[doctormann]

Well, that's 90% of the net off-limits then!

 

[GarryP]

"Lt Gen Sansern explained that new legislation to do with computing in Thailand assures Internet usage according to international standards and free movement in the digital realm. "

 

No it does not. It is to do with military control over the flow of information. In particular, information it does not want in the public domain. It is all to do with shutting up dissent and blocking information that may be detrimental to its position and that of the "ruling class", information which is legally available in many other countries. "Keep the Thai sheeple dumb - We know what's best for us".

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

This article above is the government issued news release version re the new computer crimes law.

 

The regular news media reports quoting this same guy had him threatening those merely protesting against the new law.

 

Quote

He stated that if the state monitors certain aspects of Internet traffic, the topics will be chosen by a committee and will require a court order.

 

Meanwhile, contrary to the above report, isn't one feature of the new law giving the government the right to shut down websites WITHOUT requiring prior permission via a court order???

 

[elgordo38]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

 

BANGKOK, 19 December 2016 (NNT) – The government has affirmed that the public can continue to use the Internet according to international standards as it is only seeking to probe or shut down websites with illegal, immoral or insecure content. 

Just returned from the hardware store with my new boots and a big shovel. Looks like I can go to work right away. illegal, immoral or insecure content. open for the good generals interpretation no doubt. 

[Caveat Emptor]

Why bother with all this hot air, clarification etc as we've all seen how laws are vaguely written then the govt of the day simply interprets and enforces as suits them best.

[worgeordie]

Governments never lie .

regards worgeordie

[Srikcir]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

the government does not have a ‘Single Gateway’ policy as it would be impractical and in contradiction to the administration’s support of technological development. 

Prawit: Single gateway is a Must

"The country needs a single internet gateway to cope with “information attacks” launched from other countries" 

https://www.aseanbreakingnews.com/2016/12/prawit-single-gateway-is-a-must/

 

[Eligius]

2 hours ago, Caveat Emptor said:

Why bother with all this hot air, clarification etc as we've all seen how laws are vaguely written then the govt of the day simply interprets and enforces as suits them best.

Absolutely true. Note that the excuse for interfering with people's Internet usage is totally and utterly meaningless here: if  something is deemed 'illegal or immoral' it can be blocked, we are told.

Well, since the junta and their reincarnations in perpetuity decide what is illegal, and since the word 'immoral' can be endlessly defined  and re-defined (like the 'against good morality of people' in the Thai Constitution) to be whatever the autocrats of the day decide it means - then the Thais and other users of the Internet in this country have in reality zero rights, privacy or freedom to the unfettered exchange of ideas and information via the Internet. ZERO rights and guarantees of privacy and respect. 

 

Any other bluster and verbiage from the power-holders is nothing but mendacity and vapid air.

Edited December 19, 2016 by Eligius

[TPI]

2 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Prawit: Single gateway is a Must

"The country needs a single internet gateway to cope with “information attacks” launched from other countries" 

https://www.aseanbreakingnews.com/2016/12/prawit-single-gateway-is-a-must/

 

You do realise of course that by allowing others to see a web page that could be and probably will be declared "against good morality of people" you can be in breach of the the law and end up in jail?   (what utter BS!)

[ChrisY1]

There will be a way to hack.......someone or some group will ensure this!

[Jonmarleesco]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

The government ... is only seeking to probe or shut down websites with illegal, immoral or insecure content. 

'... Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd has confirmed that a hacker group attempted to infiltrate government servers ... were unsuccessful ... while clarifying that claims the hacking was successful were merely an attempt to cause confusion and discord.' 

Most of which is subjective, with the Thai government having a somewhat loose interpretation of what constitutes illegal, immoral or insecure.

 

As for the hacking ... well, he would say that, wouldn't he?

[Srikcir]

1 hour ago, TPI said:

you can be in breach of the the law

Trivia?

I didn't tell anyone to open the web page.

Prawit made a public statement quoted by several media outlets.

If his statement is "against good morality of people" such as being untruthful as to government policies, that is his burden to bear.

Although I would caveot that often Prawit seems to contradict Prayut as to policy.

 

[lamyai3]

7 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

There will be a way to hack.......someone or some group will ensure this!

 

Maybe so, but read the second paragraph of the article. Problem is, this kind of activism seems to wind up becoming the very justification for pushing through these new laws.