NBTC sets deadline for targeting 'illicit' websites

NBTC sets deadline for targeting 'illicit' websites

Almost 3,000 "illicit" web pages on Facebook and YouTube will be removed by Aug 7, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) says.

The order comes via the Thai Internet Service Providers Association (Tispa).

NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said the number of new illicit web pages posted from May 1 to July 16 totalled 2,907.

Of the total, 2,082 were posted on Facebook and 672 on YouTube. The remaining 153 were posted on other websites.

The move came yesterday after a meeting of the NBTC and Tispa. Attendees at the meeting were internet service providers and international internet gateway providers.

The NBTC delivered lists of the court's orders to Tispa asking for cooperation with Facebook and YouTube to remove illicit content from the pages.

By July 16, Facebook had already removed 899 illicit web pages, YouTube had removed 180 web pages, and 36 other websites were taken down.

However, Mr Takorn said there are 1,792 more illicit web pages on internet platforms based on the court orders, comprising 1,183 web pages on Facebook, 492 on Youtube and 117 on other websites.

"We [NBTC] don't have any measures left to tackle these illicit web pages after the deadline," he said, adding that the commission will call on Tispa to meet again on Aug 8.

If there are illicit web pages left on the platforms, Tispa needs to clarify with the NBTC about the situation, he said.

"I believe that there will still be some illicit web pages left after Aug 7, because it may difficult for Facebook to remove user accounts," Mr Takorn said.

Facebook and YouTube showed good cooperation with Tispa. Previously, both companies said they had not received any court orders.

The meeting yesterday between the NBTC and Tispa is part of efforts to cooperate directly with Facebook and YouTube in dealing with illicit web pages and social media posts, particularly those related to the monarchy.

The operations of Tispa members account for 95% of internet service business in the country. They include CS Loxinfo, True Internet, Advanced Wireless Network, DTAC TriNet, CAT Telecom, TOT, Symphony Communication, United Information Highway, Internet Thailand, KSC Commercial Internet, and Jasmine Internet.

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