ASEAN Regional Coalition to #StopDigitalDictatorship The 2021 Order to Register Social Media Platforms Disseminating News 19 “false information” during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the Ministry of Information, Culture, The notice stated that unregistered platforms would and Tourism (MICT) requires any “individual, legal not be allowed to publish information or news under entity, state or private sector” that distributes news the Media Law and continuous operation would on social media platforms to register or face legal also face legal consequences. It was claimed that consequences.20 Indeed, on 20 May 2021, the Ministry registration aims to regulate social media and of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT) ordered ensure that information and news posted on social the departments of Information, Culture and Tourism media platforms are accurate. Officials highlighted in all provinces to keep records of official social media punishment for the circulation of fake news and platforms including websites, online news pages and misinformation causing loss or damage through Facebook pages and to forward them to the Mass social media under the 2015 Law on Prevention and Media Department, under the guise of combating Combating Cyber Crime. It also encouraged its provincial departments to supervise the registration of social media platforms. #PeoplePower | How Are People Resisting #DigitalDictatorship? The ASEAN Regional Coalition to #StopDigitalDictatorship calls for Immediate Reforms for the Safeguard of LAO PDR (Laos) Digital Rights Landscape The ASEAN Regional Coalition to #StopDigitalDictatorship issued two Joint Statements in 2021 and 2023 to stand in solidarity with the Lao people, calling on the Lao government to stop online control and surveillance. The coalition advocates for an independent and free media, and urges Lao authorities to repeal or amend laws and regulations that curtail freedom of expression, independent media, and access to information, aligning them with Article 19 of the UDHR and the ICCPR. The coalition strongly emphasises the need to refrain from using allegations of ‘fake news’ as a pretext to restrict online information and stifle free media. Additionally, the coalition implores the Lao government to cease the weaponisation of constitutional provisions, such as Article 23, to unduly limit media activities under vague and overly broad notions of ‘national interests.’ Furthermore, the coalition calls for a commitment to transparency, ensuring access to information for all individuals in Lao PDR (Laos), especially when 122 it pertains to the public interest and impacts individuals’ rights to expression, information, and public participation. The coalition advocates for the adoption of a law that facilitates such access, guaranteeing transparency and promoting open information flow. The coalition also stresses the importance of ensuring that measures addressing disinformation and misinformation align with international human rights obligations. Finally, the Coalition reminds the Lao government of the UN Human Rights Committee’s concerns in its 2018 Concluding Observations over the state’s absolute control over media aiming at ensuring that TV, radio and printed publications adhere to and reflect the government policies. In January 2020, during its 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle, Lao PDR received 24 recommendations relating to freedom of opinion and expression and 7 recommendations calling for respect of press freedom.21 Dawn of Digital Dictatorship: Weaponizing the Law Against Online Speech in Southeast Asia