The Computer Science Development Law, passed by the military State Law and Order Restoration Council in 1996, asserts that its purpose is to advance the development of the state through computer science. However, much of the statute is focused on control of the use of computers by the populace. While the law would appear to have been superseded by the Electronic Transactions Act 2004 and the 2013 Telecommunications Act, it has never formally been repealed and thus remains in force.
Anyone who imports, possesses, or uses such a computer without prior approval can be sentenced from 7 to 15 years in prison, as can anyone who sets up a computer network or “connects a link inside a computer network” without the prior approval of the ministry. The law thus enables the government to control access to computers by the population, and to deny such access to those whose views it does not like.
Section 35, which criminalizes certain acts carried out using a computer network or other information technology, further restricts freedom of expression. The section provides a minimum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment to anyone: a) carrying out any act which undermines State Security, prevalence of law and order and community peace and tranquility, national unity, State economy, or national culture; or b) obtaining or sending and distributing any information of State secret relevant to State security, prevalence of law and order and community peace.
More information