The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications is preparing a draft law on the protection of private data and other measures related to information technology and communication. Hong Menea
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications is preparing a draft law on the protection of private data and other measures related to information technology and communication.
Telecommunications ministry secretary of state So Visothy said last week that the drafting of the law on the protection of private data is in line with the “Cambodia Digital Economy and Social Policy Framework 2021-2035”.
He added that the government had introduced this new policy framework to capitalise on the benefits of the digital sector in order to transform the country into a vibrant digital economy and society after it became one of the core sectors in Cambodia during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also said that building a digital economy would be a source for new economic growth and would increase productivity and economic efficiency while improving the well-being of the Cambodian people.
He said that drafting the law was likely to take a long time to make sure that it is in line with government policies and guarantees consumer rights while increasing the confidence of potential investors.
Visothy added that the Ministry will invite relevant parties or institutions to consult. Civil society organizations and private companies may also be invited to consult during the preparation of the draft law.
Cambodian Institute for Democracy president Pa Chanroeun said on October 20 that Cambodian people now face many problems related to information privacy and it is an appropriate time to have a personal data protection law.
“I am glad to hear that the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications may be open to participation and seek input from civil society organizations,” he said.
He also said that in order for it to become a law that shows a genuine will to serve the people, it requires the participation of all relevant parties, including civil society organizations working on digital rights and internet freedoms.
Chanroeun also noted that on previous draft laws the ministry had not given the opportunity to relevant parties, including civil society organizations or the private sector, to consult with them and as a result it had led to controversy, protests, and requests for repeals, delays and corrections.
“When we look back to the past lessons, in order to make a law reflect the will of the people and all relevant parties, the ministry must give the opportunity for citizens to voice their concerns and give recommendations to fine-tune that law so that when the law is promulgated it is acceptable and applicable to all,” Chanroeun emphasised.
