Officials Deny Data Breach From Citizen Registry System
Thai authorities denied a data breach from the citizen registry system on August 5, while investigating circulating facial images and warning of legal penalties for spreading false claims.
The Department of Interior released a clarification on August 5 regarding online reports of a personal data breach from the citizen registry system. The Registry Administration Office stated the following facts: First, personal data was not leaked from the main database of the citizen registry system. Second, regarding the circulation of individuals' facial images on social media, the Department of Interior has coordinated with the National Cybersecurity Committee (NCCC) and the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) to conduct a thorough investigation, and has filed a complaint with the Technology Crime Investigation Division to pursue legal action. Third, the Department of Interior confirms it has continuously upgraded system database security and uses the ThaID system for identity verification, which is considered a high-level security system. Fourth, the Department of Interior and the Ministry of Interior warn the public that spreading false or unlawful information on social media may violate the Computer Crime Act B.E. 2550, Section 14, which covers introducing distorted or false data or information affecting national and economic security or causing public panic. Violations carry penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of no more than 100,000 baht, or both.
