Computer law getting politicised too much

[webfact]

Computer law getting politicised too much
By The Nation

 

Users’ benefits as important as “freedom” on cyberspace

 

BANGKOK: -- Political activists have cried foul over the passage of the computer act by the military-dominated interim legislature, saying the law will give the authorities greater and quicker access to online data, hamper freedom of expression and create a climate of fear. General users have, in return become confused, not knowing what the law will do when it comes to, say, digital transactions which have become increasingly common.

 

In this new era, what is the most important is for the state to strike a balance between providing online financial security to promote all kinds of business, including small ones that rely heavily on computers and the Internet, and encouraging political participation through the same channels. It isn’t easy, as we can tell from the controversy over America’s Edward Snowden.

 

The man, who has been deemed a traitor, has told the world that if the powers-that-be are determined and sophisticated enough, they can easily find a way to know what people watch late at night, who they interact with online or who plans to do what.

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-01-02

 

[waldroj]

Espousing "Thai people 4.0" while (at the same time) introducing oppressive new computer laws is like needing to pee with skis on !!!

 

[Briggsy]

Why don't they point to any of the prosecutions in Thailand under the Computer Crimes Act? There have been many often resulting in heavy prison sentences.

 

Oh, they can't because

they self-censor at the level of the journalist

or the editor would censor the article

or the paper would be prosecuted for criticising judges' ruling

or the paper would be prosecuted under the Computer Crimes Act.

 

So, the Nation cops out and points to the totally unrelated case of Edward Snowden, the only similarity being they involve computers.

 

This law is about suppression of political opposition just as it was when it was enacted by the Thaksin administration. If you look at the prosecutions, that is its use.

[yellowboat]

The powers that be should only be interested in protecting their own data and not spying on the average Thai.  Locking down and looking after their own servers should be a priority. 

[Jimbo2014]

Asking small and medium businesses to invest.  Wanting innovation.  Wanting to be a software hub.  You might as well expect as much from North Korea these days.  Thats where its heading.

[elgordo38]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

In this new era, what is the most important is for the state to strike a balance between providing online financial security to promote all kinds of business, including small ones that rely heavily on computers and the Internet, and encouraging political participation through the same channels. It isn’t easy, as we can tell from the controversy over America’s Edward Snowden.

Does balance mean 90% control and 10% freedom. The scale is out of wack then. It seems you have to be retired today to weave your way through all the BS to get to the truth. Sad. Oh well its a New Year maybe things will change. My alter ego keeps saying "fat chance"

[elgordo38]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

 

The man, who has been deemed a traitor, has told the world that if the powers-that-be are determined and sophisticated enough, they can easily find a way to know what people watch late at night, who they interact with online or who plans to do what.

Yes the truth can be a traitor. It all depends on the eyes of the beholder and the guy looking over your shoulder. 

[elgordo38]

6 hours ago, waldroj said:

Espousing "Thai people 4.0" while (at the same time) introducing oppressive new computer laws is like needing to pee with skis on !!!

 

Never pee while skiing. If the wind is blowing the wrong way it can be quite an experience. Carry wipes with you.

[Grubster]

4 hours ago, yellowboat said:

The powers that be should only be interested in protecting their own data and not spying on the average Thai.  Locking down and looking after their own servers should be a priority. 

Replacing the word "should"  with "will" is hard to do though.

[Grubster]

3 minutes ago, elgordo38 said:

Never pee while skiing. If the wind is blowing the wrong way it can be quite an experience. Carry wipes with you.

Sonny Bono had no trouble peeing on that tree he T-boned.

[elgordo38]

Just now, Grubster said:

Sonny Bono had no trouble peeing on that tree he T-boned.

Thats the problem with movie stars and rich people. They think they are above the fray let their guard down and bang a tree appears out of no where. Us the unwashed masses never let our guard down. 

[Grubster]

3 minutes ago, elgordo38 said:

Thats the problem with movie stars and rich people. They think they are above the fray let their guard down and bang a tree appears out of no where. Us the unwashed masses never let our guard down. 

And powerful politicians like Sonny.