(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release: Thailand: Internet Act Criticised A Memorandum by ARTICLE 19 released today urges reform of the draft Computer-Related Offences Commission Act currently being developed by the Thai authorities. The draft Act imposes overbroad restrictions on the use of computer systems and grants the authorities excessive […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release:
Thailand: Internet Act Criticised
A Memorandum by ARTICLE 19 released today urges reform of the draft Computer-Related Offences Commission Act currently being developed by the Thai authorities. The draft Act imposes overbroad restrictions on the use of computer systems and grants the authorities excessive powers to police the rules.
The draft Act passed the first reading and is now being reviewed by a 25-member panel before being returned for a second reading. Although it already reflects the views of a number of internal government stakeholders, the serious implications of the draft in terms of freedom of expression do not appear to have been taken into account.
Some of the more serious problems with the draft Act are as follows:
– It establishes unduly broad prohibitions on accessing information over computer systems.
– The penalties, which extend to capital punishment, are far too heavy for the offences.
– Unduly broad limits on the sale of computer software are established, along with liability for anyone who sells the software, regardless of any complicity in a crime.
– Liability is extended to service providers, regardless of whether or not the material in question has been identified as illegal by a court.
– A crime of defamation for altering pictures of third parties is established.
– Broad enforcement powers are given to “competent officials” to enforce these rules, largely without any judicial scrutiny.
The ARTICLE 19 Report can be downloaded at: http://www.article19.org/pdfs/analysis/thai-internet-mar-07.pdf
ARTICLE 19 is an independent human rights organisation that works around the world to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression. It takes its name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression.