[REPORT] Dictating the Internet: Curtailing Free Expression, Opinion and Information Online in Southeast Asia

Author: International Court of Justice
Country: Thailland

In this report, the ICJ focuses its analysis on Thailand. The updated information and analysis show how State authorities have continued abusing laws that in any event are not compliant with human rights law and standards to intensify their arbitrary restrictions on human rights in the digital sphere. The authorities have acted in response to the increased reliance by the public on online platforms to share information and opinions on the COVID-19 pandemic and the pro-democracy protests.

They have pressured technological companies to censor content on their platforms through court-enforced takedown demands and the filing of criminal complaints for failing to comply. Further, they have failed to adequately protect individuals against the human rights abuses of private actors, who include companies abusing legal processes to silence their critics and perpetrators of online hate speech inciting discrimination, hostility or violence. This paper monitors and analyzes cases which have continued to emerge in Thailand since December 2019, highlighting cases which reflect how infringement of the rights to freedom of expression, opinion and information online is often accompanied by violations of other rights, including the rights to peaceful assembly and health.

To access the full report, click here.

LINK [REPORT] Dictating the Internet: Curtailing Free Expression, Opinion and Information Online in Southeast Asia