Thailand takes legal action against Facebook, Twitter

Thailand on September 24 began legal action against two major social media providers - Facebook and Twitter - for ignoring requests to take down content.

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This is the first time Thailand has made its first such move against major internet firms.

Buddhipongse Punnakanta, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, elaborates on his complaint about illegal posts on social media, at the Technology Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok on September 24. (Photo: thebangkokpost.com)

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society filed legal complaints with cybercrime police after the two social media companies missed 15-day deadlines to comply fully with court-issued takedown orders from August 27.

According to Minister of Digital Economy and Society Buddhipongse Punnakanta, it is the first time in Thailand that the computer crime law is exercised to prosecute the service providers.

Under the Computer Crime Act, ignoring a court order can result in a fine of up to 200,000 baht (6,347 USD), then 5,000 baht (159 USD) per day until the order is observed.

Minister Buddhipongse said unless the companies send their representatives to negotiate, police can bring criminal cases against them. But if they do, and acknowledge the wrongdoing, Thailand can settle on fines.

Source: VNA