Amid fears the government is seeking to further its control and regulation of the internet, the Cambodia Centre for Independent Media (CCIM) yesterday put forward eight principles of web freedom to define Cambodians’ rights online.

The release followed the Interior Ministry’s announcement last week of an anti-cyber crime unit, which will have powers to prosecute vaguely defined offences, such as insults and incitement.

CCIM’s So Sorthy said that the principles were a starting point to engage with government as it continues drafting a cyber crime law, a previous draft of which was widely condemned for undermining civil liberties.

He said it would also help Cambodians become aware of their rights – and responsibilities – as netizens.

The eight principals include the protection of human rights, the right to internet access, right to freedom of expression on the internet, right to association on the internet and right to access information online.

They also include the right to privacy, the right to the ownership of creations, a principle dealing with limitations on rights and another covering respect for other people’s rights online.