PHNOM PENH : The Cambodian government on Tuesday (Feb 15) defended its decision on establishing a national internet gateway, saying the move is intended to strengthen tax collection and deter cybercrime.

"The establishment of national internet gateway, which prevails in almost all countries around the world, serves as an effective tool to enhance national revenue collection on the basis of transparent, equal and sincere competition between the state and telecoms operators," the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement.

"It, furthermore, contributes to thwarting cybercrimes, namely illegal use of cross-border network connections, illicit online gambling, internet scams, etc.," the spokesperson said.

"This mechanism has no provisions allegedly authorising the collection of consumers' data and restricting freedom of expression."

The spokesperson said the Cambodian government will separately prepare a bill on personal data protection as soon as the draft law on cybersecurity is concluded.

The spokesperson's statement came after some foreign media and human rights groups repeatedly criticised the decision by the Cambodian government, accusing the latter of using it to collect data, wiretap consumers' conversations, and restrict freedom of expression, among others.

The allegation that the establishment of national internet gateway permits Cambodian authorities to monitor and conduct surveillance of internet activity, intercept and censor digital communications, and collect, retain, and share personal data of users are "unfounded", the spokesperson added.

"On the contrary, the government respects the individual's rights to privacy and freedom of expression and protects personal data, all of which are enshrined in laws, the Constitution, ratified international human rights treaties, the Civil Code, the Criminal Code and the Law on Telecommunications," the spokesperson said.

The nation has seen a rapid rise in internet users in recent years. According to the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC), the kingdom currently has a total of 47 mobile and fixed internet service providers.

The country has about 17.2 million mobile internet subscribers and 327,188 fixed internet users, the TRC said.

  - Xinhua