"NGOs and human rights advocates urge government to revise NIG sub-decree", 15 March 2022

… since the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication delayed implementation of the National Internet Gateway (NIG), civil society groups have continued urging the government to reconsider its plans.

While the NIG has been put on hold, non-governmental organizations and human rights advocates say the government’s intention to route all domestic internet traffic through a single, state-controlled point will suppress freedom of expression and enable state-sanctioned online harassment…

KAS Cambodia head Daniel Schmücking said that cyber attacks are a real threat in a digitalized society, but that states must provide security to citizens without limiting their freedom. Laws should balance both aspects, Schmücking said, and so the process of drafting legislation should be transparent and inclusive.

… Cambodian Center for Human Rights director Chak Sopheap said the sub-decree establishing the NIG is of serious concern for the future of fundamental human rights in the country. She said implementation of the NIG would allow coordinated authorities to block and disconnect specific network connections.

“This is likely to facilitate mass surveillance, the interception, and censorship of digital communications, and the collection of personal data, thus threatening individuals’ ability to exercise their rights to privacy and other fundamental freedoms,” she said.

… A report on online harassment released last year by rights group Licadho described the Cambodian government as routinely imprisoning, arresting and harassing social media users and activists for their online expression.

‘’Recently passed laws are likely to enhance government surveillance and restrict online free expression even further,” the report said…