The Information and Communication Technology Ministry has entered the wiretapping fray, and is to set up a special committee to probe eavesdropping claims against the Singapore-owned telecoms firm Shin Corp.
"I will today authorise the creation of a special committee chaired by the ICT ministry's permanent secretary to conduct an investigation into eavesdropping," said ICT Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom.
Council for National Security chairman Sonthi Boonyaratkalin last week claimed that Singapore could be listening in to confidential calls after Temasek Holdings purchased Shin Corp last year.
Both the Singapore government and Shin Corp's mobile phone company AIS - headquartered in Thailand - have denied the allegations. (more)
UPDATE...
It is not possible to prevent eavesdropping on mobile phones because radio signals spread in the air and can be tapped anywhere, Information and Communication Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom said today.
"No country in the world can prevent phone tapping," said Mr Sitthichai during an interview with Channel 11 Saturday morning. Nor is it possible to know whether one's phone is being tapped.
Mr Sitthichai suggested that government agencies encrypt conversations with so-called "voice scramblers", to prevent casual eavesdropping. (more)
Mr. Sitthichai, let me introduce you to some folks in Korea. ~ Kevin
