Facebook tells Thai users their data not given to government

BANGKOK (AP) — Facebook is seeking to reassure Thai users that it safeguards their private data, after a series of arrests raised concerns the social network had failed to protect personal information from Thailand's military government.

A statement from Facebook's Asia-Pacific spokeswoman, Charlene Chian, says the company has not given any account information to the Thai government, and its systems remain secure. It said it publicly lists government requests for data or blocking sites, and responds according to law.

Late last month the authorities arrested eight people on charges of sedition and violation of the Computer Crime Act for material posted on Facebook. Two also face charges of defaming the monarchy, a more serious offense. Evidence shown to some suspects reportedly indicated that police accessed some of their private messages.