Thailand— February 28, 2019 — BSA | The Software Alliance congratulates the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) and the Government of Thailand on the enactment of the National Cybersecurity Act and Personal Data Protection Act on February 28, 2019. Effective cybersecurity and personal data protection frameworks, which are sufficiently flexible, risk-based, and aligned with internationally-recognized standards and practices, will strengthen the trust necessary to promote full participation in the digital economy and encourage the development and adoption of innovative services and technologies which will directly contribute to the Thailand 4.0 goals and priorities.

“The enactment of the National Cybersecurity Act and Personal Data Protection Act represent important steps in ensuring consumers and businesses alike can trust in and reap the maximum benefits from data driven innovations like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. Cybersecurity threats and risks to personal data are global in nature, and so must be the response. BSA commends the Government of Thailand for soliciting input from the private sector and other interested stakeholders in the development of these laws, and we encourage continued open communication and consultation with the private sector, including global companies,” said Jared Ragland, Senior Director, Policy — APAC.

BSA looks forward to working closely with the Government of Thailand to address our outstanding concerns regarding the implementation of the laws and aligning Thailand’s Cybersecurity and Personal Information Protection policies with internationally recognized best practices when developing, implementing, and operationalizing effective cybersecurity and personal data protection-related rules.