Thailand Bans Internet Disclosure Of Data On Children Under 18

Bangkok, Thailand (AHN) - Internet providers in Thailand are not allowed to disclose personal data about children under the age of 18, including photos, age, gender, contact numbers, e-mail addresses or even the user names of online conversation websites.

The data will not be posted on the Internet in order to prevent crimes, including kidnapping, rape, robbery and murder, said Social Development and Human Security Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham.

The new regulations issued Wednesday by Thailand's National Committee to Protect Children, will protect childrens' personal data throughout the cyber world as data disclosure provided easy access to children and led to crimes, said Paiboon who is also committee chairman.

Violators will face a maximum jail term of six months and a maximum fine of Baht 60,000 ($1,900) in accordance with the 2003 National Child Protection Act, the Bangkok Post reported. The Thai Webmaster Association has been alerted on the new policy and websites are given a one-month period for adjustment, Paiboon said.

The committee and the Ministry of Education are encouraging schools and parents to keep watch over the Internet browsing behavior of their children to help prevent possible crimes.