Rights group: Cambodia internet gateway will hurt privacy
February 18, 2021 (Mainichi Japan)
In this Feb. 7, 2021 file photo, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen delivers a speech during a handover ceremony at Phnom Penh International Airport, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) -- Cambodia plans to set up a new national internet gateway that critics fear will increase online surveillance and censorship of the internet and infringe on rights to privacy and free expression.
Like a number of Asian governments, Cambodia has been cracking down on online dissent.
Long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen signed an order Wednesday to set up such an internet gateway. According to a copy of the measure seen Thursday, he said it would help with tax collecting, protect national security and ensure social order.