ASEAN members agree to build safe digital environment

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Jantararuangtong said that participants at the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) have agreed that online fraud and call center gangs are urgent issues that require a collective effort to address.

The meeting, held in Bangkok from January 16-17 under the theme “Secure, Innovative, Inclusive: Shaping ASEAN’s Digital Future,” reflected ASEAN’s commitment to building a safe digital environment.

This includes timely responses to online threats and cybercrime, developing new initiatives and technologies, and ensuring equal access to technology. Prasert mentioned that the meeting discussed various cooperation frameworks, including cybersecurity, cross-border data exchanges, and the joint development of the digital economy.

The delegates endorsed the Bangkok Digital Declaration, which serves as a guide for ASEAN members on how they can and should collaborate more closely to prevent and address online crimes.

Key partners such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, the U.S, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) also participated in the negotiations aimed at promoting digital standards and cooperation.

Prasert highlighted that Thailand signed two agreements during the meeting. The first is a an MOU with Cambodia to promote cooperation in various areas, including digital platform services, ensuring access to digital technology, cybersecurity, and combating online fraud.

The second agreement was an MoU with the Philippines to promote investment in digital infrastructure, good governance in e-government, and the development of emerging technologies such as cloud computing and big data. Cybersecurity will also be enhanced through knowledge exchange, expertise, and joint training.

Additionally, Prasert stated that representatives from Myanmar at the meeting have committed to cooperating with Thailand in the fight against transnational call centre gangs.

The 6th ADGMIN is set to take place in Vietnam next year.