The Cambodian government on Tuesday delayed plans to introduce its national internet gateway, which UN experts have branded as “repressive” and could cause “a serious negative impact” on the country’s internet freedom, citing potential disruptions to online traffic. Telecommunications Ministry’s spokesperson told local media VOD that the internet gateway, which was scheduled to be unveiled on Wednesday, was put on hold due to the potential disruptions to online traffic caused by the global pandemic. Prior to the delay, the Cambodian Foreign Affairs Department issued a statement allaying concerns about the internet gateway, saying that it had been misinterpreted by some foreign media despite the government’s “repeated explanation.” The allegations against the implementation of the national internet gateway were “unfounded,” the department said, adding that it has “no provisions allegedly authorizing the collection of consumers’ data and restricting freedom of expression.” “The government respects the individuals’ right to privacy and freedom …