In brief: Thailand’s new controversial cybersecurity law heavily censured

• Thailand’s military-appointed parliament passed a controversial cybersecurity law that gives sweeping powers to state cyber agencies, despite concerns about judicial oversight and potential abuse of power.
• The law allows the military-led National Cybersecurity Committee to summon individuals for questioning and enter private property without court orders in case of actual or anticipated “serious cyber threats.”
• An additional Cybersecurity Regulating Committee will have extensive powers to access computer data and networks, make copies of information, and seize computers or any devices.
• Civil liberties advocates, internet companies and business groups have protested the legislation, saying it would sacrifice privacy and the rule of law, and warning that compliance burdens could drive foreign businesses out of Thailand. Internet freedom activists have called the legislation a “cyber martial law.”

Source: Reuters