By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
Hun Sen Backs New Messaging App Amid Surveillance Concerns
Cambodian leader Hun Sen has endorsed a new domestic messaging app called CoolApp, which critics claim is a government tool for monitoring and undermining political discourse. Launched to compete with WhatsApp and Telegram, CoolApp is promoted by Hun Sen as a means to protect national security and reduce foreign interference. He likened it to regional counterparts such as China’s WeChat and Vietnam’s Zalo. Despite stepping down as prime minister, Hun Sen continues to wield significant power in Cambodia, a country grappling with a large scale online scam epidemic run by Chinese gangs.
CoolApp's Security Assurances and Future Prospects
CoolApp's founder and CEO, Lim Cheavutha, asserts that the app, which has been downloaded 150,000 times, does not monitor, collect, or store user data and uses end to end encryption to ensure privacy. He anticipates the app will eventually reach between 500,000 and 1 million downloads. However, Meta's WhatsApp remains widely popular in Cambodia, boasting millions of users. Despite assurances, the app faces skepticism regarding its potential use for government surveillance.
Escalating Online Surveillance Under Hun Sen
Internet freedom in Cambodia has significantly deteriorated under Hun Sen’s rule, according to rights groups. The country faces rampant censorship, media blackouts, and online harassment. Increased state surveillance has resulted in the arrest and persecution of government critics, along with the shutdown of independent media outlets and websites. Despite being a prolific social media user, Hun Sen has contemplated banning Facebook, the country’s most popular platform, due to online abuse from political opponents. In 2023, Facebook’s oversight board recommended suspending Hun Sen’s accounts for six months for using inciteful language.
Critics Condemn CoolApp as a Tool for Repression
Opposition leaders in exile have warned against the adoption of CoolApp, promoted by Hun Sen. Mu Sochua described it as a "Chinese style mechanism" for controlling public discourse and mass surveillance, citing the Cambodian government's close ties with China’s ruling Communist Party. She highlighted that civil servants are being ordered to download the app, questioning who would dare oppose the mandate. Sam Rainsy also called for a boycott of CoolApp, arguing it would enhance the regime’s repressive capabilities and noting Hun Sen's history of secretly monitoring private opposition discussions.