Threatened by Facebook Disinformation, a Monk Flees Cambodia

A smear campaign linked to the Cambodian government went viral on the social media platform, sending an activist Buddhist cleric into exile to protect himself.

BANGKOK — In just four days, the reputation of a Buddhist monk who had spent decades fighting for the human rights of Cambodians was destroyed.

First, grainy videos appeared on a fake Facebook page, claiming that he had slept with three sisters and their mother. Then a government-controlled religious council defrocked the monk for having violated Buddhist precepts of celibacy. Fearing imminent arrest, the monk fled Cambodia, destined for a life in exile, like so many people who have stood up to Asia’s longest-governing leader.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/23/world/asia/cambodia-facebook-disinformation.html

#Asia #Cambodia #Facebook #disinformation

Cambodia plans China-style internet firewall

'National internet gateway' includes 'censorship angle' that alarms NGOs

PHNOM PENH -- Cambodia's government will route all web traffic through a "national internet gateway" under plans that human rights advocates fear will see critical content blocked by a China-style firewall.

The plans are laid out in a yet-to-be-signed sub-decree drafted in July and obtained by the Nikkei Asian Review.

The document states the national internet gateway will manage internet connections in the country to enhance "national revenue collection," protect "national security" and assure "social order."

The gateway will be managed by a government-appointed operator or operators, who will collaborate with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia and "relevant authorities."

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Cambodia-plans-China-style-internet-firewall

#Asia #Cambodia #censorship #internet #firewall

Full-time internet #surveillance comes to #Cambodia this week
Locals fear sharing their views on new National Internet Gateway

https://www.theregister.com/2022/02/14/cambodia_national_internet_gateway/

https://proprivacy.com/privacy-news/national-internet-gateway-cambodia-internet-kill-switch