MP proposes amendments to electronic transactions law

MP proposes amendments to electronic transactions law

Published on Tuesday, 08 October 2013 17:57

Lower House MP Thein Nyunt submitted amendments to the controversial Electronic Transactions Law to parliament on Monday, in a bid to protect technology users from harsh penalties and prison sentences.

The 2004 Electronic Transactions Law has been used by the military in the past to send scores of political activists to prison for up to 15 years.

"The reason for amending this law is because it has been used in sending experts with different political views to prison. So I submitted a proposal to revoke this law. As it couldn't be revoked, the Deputy Minister of Information said we need to amend it to keep up with time. That's why I have submitted this [amendment] to protect experts and prevent technology for being used for politics," said MP Thein Nyunt.

The amendments focus on articles 34 to 37 of the Electronic Transactions Act, replacing prison sentences of up to 15 years with fines ranging between Ks 100,000 to Ks 5 million, depending on the severity of the offence.

As Myanmar begins modernising its economy, communication services and technology — from mobile phones to the internet - will become important sectors that can help create jobs, promote personal development as well as provide space for innovation.

"I have replaced all the prison terms to fines. The prison terms will only be given if [the offender] cannot pay the fine. For the only Article that has a prison term, I have made it defensible [for the offender]," said Thein Nyunt.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/10/08/mp-proposes-amendments-to-electronic-transactions-law/