Cyber security bill threatens media freedom in Thailand

The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Thailand’s military-appointed legislature to scrap proposed legislation that would allow for mass surveillance of online activities and platforms. The Cyber Security Bill was approved this month by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s Cabinet and is pending in the National Legislative Assembly.

If passed into law, the bill would establish a government-run cyber security committee charged with detecting and countering online threats to national security, stability, the military, and economy, according to press reports. Under Section 35 of the bill, the committee would be authorized to access information on personal computers, cell phones and other electronic devices without a court order,reports said.

Continue reading.