The Digital Rights Crackdown in Southeast Asia
Across the region, governments are using tightened internet regulations to circumscribe freedoms
By: Nguyễn Vũ
Vietnam released its highly anticipated data privacy legislation in July, a comprehensive law representing a significant milestone for the country, with the government joining other Southeast Asia nations in passing laws protecting individuals from having their personal information raided. But although it came into force on July 1 with no transitional period provided, it remains opaque and the government has paid little attention to explaining its provisions.
Nonetheless, if an organization breaches them, the Ministry of Public Security, Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention (AO5) must be notified within 72 hours or face potential criminal charges. People's ignorance and the government's weaponization of laws and regulations have made it all the more challenging for Southeast Asian human rights workers whose focus is on the digital world…