LINE has refused the Thai government’s request that it monitor people’s chats and report content deemed to violate the lese-majeste law, a company representative said yesterday.

The statement came after Deputy Prime Minister Prajin Juntong told reporters that the company had agreed to appoint a special team to monitor their customers’ chats, DPA reported.

“We do not monitor or block user content. User content is also encrypted, and cannot be viewed by LINE,” the statement sent to DPA said.

The Japanese messaging app operator said the Thai government needed to proceed according to international laws.

“We ask the authorities seeking to obtain user data to make official requests through diplomatic channels and have so advised the Thai authorities,” LINE added.

Over 33 million people in Thailand use LINE application, making it the most popular messaging app in the kingdom.

After HM the late King passed away on Oct. 13, Royal Thai Police began a crackdown on the online content that violates the lese-majeste law. They have found 76 websites and 295 pages on social media that are deemed to criticize to monarchy, reported NOW26.

The websites have reportedly been blocked as legal actions will be taken.

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