October 18, 2024.
Following the military coup, Myanmar has emerged at the forefront of the world’s worst countries for internet freedom, reaching a historic low, according to a report released yesterday by the U.S.-based organization Freedom House.
Myanmar scored only 8 out of 100 on the internet freedom scale set by Freedom House, significantly lower than China, which scored 9, indicating a dire situation in Myanmar.
The state of internet freedom in Myanmar has deteriorated from 2023 to 2024. The military’s blocking of VPNs in May 2024 worsened the situation, leading to increased repression of digital rights. This has resulted in Myanmar’s internet freedom reaching its lowest historical point, with the information environment being one of the worst in the world. Since the military coup in February 2021, internet access has been repeatedly restricted by the military, with price hikes for data usage and unlawful detentions related to online activities.
The military’s direct and indirect control over all internet and communication service providers has involved strict regulations on user registration, mass censorship, and surveillance. Measures and regulations have been imposed to prevent the dissemination of reports about their brutalities and atrocities. In May 2024, the military restricted the use of WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and blocked popular VPNs such as Psiphon and NordVPN. Many internet users who posted anti-military content on social media faced imprisonment for their online activities, with courts imposing long prison sentences and even death penalties, according to Freedom House.
In May 2024, the military conducted arrests and assaults on individuals possessing mobile phones with VPN applications. Since the coup, the military has repeatedly disrupted communication services. Armed soldiers forcefully entered telecommunications offices, resulting in a nationwide cut in internet access in early February 2021.
Currently, many people are suffering due to the military’s internet restrictions, especially in areas experiencing conflict and violence. Since the coup, the military has sought to control Myanmar’s internet infrastructure. They have declared the use of unlicensed satellite internet equipment illegal and warned that users will face legal action.
