Security News > 2022 > February > Cambodia cans critics of its snoopy Internet Gateway, says every nation has one

Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has issued a clarification about the role of the "National Internet Gateway" that will commence operations tomorrow, stating that descriptions of it as an instrument of pervasive surveillance are "Unfounded."

A Ministry spokesperson insists the Gateway is actually an instrument to "Strengthen national security and tax collection as well as to maintain social order and protect national culture."

The clarification adds that Cambodia's government conducted "An extensive study on infrastructure models from different countries around the world and found that most countries have internet gateways and respective regulations."

As for Cambodia's claim that such a gateway is needed for tax collection, many nations around the world tax online transactions, or have imposed digital services taxes, without a gateway.

The United Nations recently stated that the Gateway "Permits the Cambodian Government to monitor internet activity, intercept and censor digital communications, and collect, retain and share personal data of users."

The UN further opined that the Gateway will have "a serious negative impact on internet freedom, human rights defenders and civil society in the country, further shrinking the already-restrictive civic space in Cambodia."

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2022/02/15/cambodia_clarifies_internet_gateway/