# National Internet Gateway

> censorship of the Internet in Cambodia

**Wikidata**: [Q110915122](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110915122)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/national-internet-gateway

## Summary
The National Internet Gateway is Cambodia's state-controlled internet censorship system, modeled after China's Great Firewall. Launched in February 2022, it requires all internet traffic to pass through government-monitored gateways, enabling authorities to block content and monitor online activity.

## Key Facts
- Based on: Great Firewall of China
- Country: Cambodia
- Start time: February 2022
- Aliases: Cambodian Firewall
- Instance of: firewall
- Announcement date: 2021
- Described by source: The Register
- Described at URLs: The Register (2022), Phnom Penh Post (2022)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the National Internet Gateway?
A: The National Internet Gateway is Cambodia's internet censorship system that routes all online traffic through government-controlled gateways, allowing authorities to monitor and restrict internet access.

### Q: When was the National Internet Gateway launched?
A: The National Internet Gateway began operations in February 2022, following its announcement in 2021.

### Q: How does the National Internet Gateway work?
A: It functions as a firewall that forces all internet traffic in Cambodia to pass through government-monitored gateways, enabling content blocking and surveillance.

### Q: What inspired Cambodia's National Internet Gateway?
A: The system is based on China's Great Firewall, adopting similar censorship and monitoring capabilities.

### Q: What is another name for the National Internet Gateway?
A: It is also known as the Cambodian Firewall.

## Why It Matters
The National Internet Gateway represents a significant escalation in Cambodia's internet control and censorship capabilities. By implementing a system modeled after China's Great Firewall, the Cambodian government has gained unprecedented ability to monitor online activity, block websites, and restrict information flow. This centralized control over internet infrastructure marks a concerning development for digital rights and freedom of expression in Cambodia, as it enables authorities to effectively filter content and track users' online behavior. The system's implementation reflects a broader trend of authoritarian governments adopting sophisticated censorship technologies to maintain control over information and suppress dissent.

## Notable For
- First implementation of Great Firewall-style censorship in Southeast Asia
- Complete centralization of Cambodia's internet traffic through government gateways
- Direct adoption of Chinese internet control model by a Southeast Asian nation
- Implementation of comprehensive content filtering and monitoring capabilities
- Significant expansion of government surveillance powers over online activity

## Body
### Technical Implementation
The National Internet Gateway functions as a comprehensive firewall system that intercepts all internet traffic entering and leaving Cambodia. The system requires internet service providers to route traffic through government-controlled gateways, creating a single point of control for online content.

### Timeline of Development
The system was announced in 2021, with full implementation beginning in February 2022. This timeline shows a relatively rapid deployment of the censorship infrastructure following the initial announcement.

### International Context
As the first Southeast Asian country to implement a Great Firewall-style system, Cambodia's National Internet Gateway represents a significant adoption of Chinese internet control models in the region. The system directly mirrors the architecture and capabilities of China's internet censorship infrastructure.

### Impact on Internet Freedom
The gateway's implementation has effectively centralized control over Cambodia's internet, enabling authorities to block websites, monitor user activity, and restrict access to information. This represents a major shift in the country's digital landscape and online freedoms.

### Documentation and Reporting
The system has been documented by international media outlets including The Register, which has reported on both the announcement and implementation phases of the National Internet Gateway.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.theregister.com/2021/02/18/cambodia_national_internet_gateway/)