Thai junta downplays hacktivist threat in protest against new law
Thailand's military government have downplayed a series of hacks and information leaks by a group of so-called "hacktivists" protesting a new amendment to a cybercrime law.
Army Chief Chalermchai Sittisart confirmed to reporters Friday that the ruling military government's website had been hacked, but said no data was taken "thanks to effective preventative measures."
The hack only caused delays to the website, Chalermchai said, adding that the hackers merely wanted to act against the authorities and weren't considering their own future.
The group on Thursday leaked the personal data of at least 3,000 Thai police officers and exposed the identity card information of 3,000 government officials.
Financial data, including bank account numbers and transactions, of approximately 3,000 highway police officers were also detailed in the 1,400-page leak.
A day earlier, the group hacked into the Thai traffic police website and changed route information.
The website remains shut down on Friday pending an investigation.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj has defended the new bill's ability to protect both people's rights and national security.
However, critics say the amendment will vastly expand the junta's control over the internet in the country and further silence dissent.
As of Friday, more than 370,000 people signed an online petition calling for the junta-appointed legislature to oppose the law.