Tag: Freedom of expression
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Facebook whistleblower alleges “careless” management failed Myanmar
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The newly published book Careless People, by Facebook’s former director of public policy Sarah Wynn-Williams, alleges that the company’s management was “deeply unconcerned” about its role in Myanmar, which helped “enable posts that led to horrific sexual violence and genocide” against the Rohingya minority group.
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Journalists under attack for defending Myanmar’s environment
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Myanmar journalists reporting on environmental degradation have faced systematic violence, arbitrary detention, and torture. Reporters investigating illegal mining, deforestation, and industrial pollution—vital to public health and democratic accountability—are deliberately targeted by the military and a manipulated justice system. This report highlights severe human rights abuses for the UN’s global review.
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Myanmar’s digital coup rigging the election before it begins
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The digital space plays a crucial role in modern electoral processes, especially in contexts like Myanmar, where the media landscape is tightly controlled, and online platforms remain one of the few avenues to access information. This report highlights how the military’s attacks on internet access and digital freedoms will further undermine the military’s plan to…
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Draft Sagaing constitution missing key rights
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The draft constitution is a step forward but should be strengthened to abolish the death penalty, ban cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, guarantee the right to vote and the right to privacy. The draft should also be amended to enhance fair trial safeguards, ensure judicial independence, establish judicial review, and restrict emergency powers.
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Myanmar’s cyber law a serious threat to privacy, speech, and security
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Rather than ensuring cybersecurity, Myanmar’s newly adopted Cyber Security “Law” grants the military sweeping powers to control online spaces, enabling systematic violations of digital rights, including the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information. This analysis highlights how the law deviates from international human rights standards and threatens privacy, digital security, VPN…
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Meta/Facebook changes threaten Myanmar’s digital space
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Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement of significant changes to Meta’s content moderation policies raises serious concerns for Myanmar, where Facebook has both enabled anti-coup dissent and fuelled real-world consequences, including contributing to atrocities against the Rohingya. While fostering free expression is commendable, Meta also has heightened legal and moral responsibilities under international human rights law and its previous commitments to prevent its platforms from enabling harm in high-risk environments…
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The Great Firewall of Myanmar
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The military’s May 2024 VPN block has significantly infringed on digital rights. Human Rights Myanmar’s review of 3 billion Facebook interactions shows a substantial decline in public engagement on Facebook, impacting media, development, and the digital economy. The VPN block, combined with the Facebook ban, may be the largest act of censorship in Myanmar’s turbulent…
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Strengthening the Press Council’s code of conduct
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The Independent Press Council – Myanmar (IPCM)’s draft Code of Conduct aligns with many international media standards. It emphasises important principles like accuracy, protection of sources, and ethical reporting practices. However, there are some areas where it could be strengthened or clarified to better align with international norms.
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Understanding the impact of the military’s VPN blockade
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Our project investigates the far-reaching consequences of Myanmar’s military VPN blockage, revealing how it undermines both individual freedoms and the nation’s socio-economic development. By documenting these impacts, we aim to highlight the urgent need for global action to protect digital rights in repressive regimes.
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Undermining universal standards from Israel/Gaza to Myanmar
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The Myanmar military has exploited the inconsistent application of international human rights standards, including in regard to Israel/Gaza, to justify its own repressive measures. By drawing parallels between international conflicts and domestic issues, the military aims to legitimise its restrictions on freedom of expression and undermine the credibility of international human rights mechanisms.
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Military order attempts to control online films
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A directive from the military mandates registration and state screening for all online film broadcasts, severely restricting freedom of expression in Myanmar.
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Human rights violations experienced by exiled journalists
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The Myanmar military’s systematic human rights abuses have specifically targeted journalists, forcing many into exile while still facing severe risks. This report highlights the ongoing challenges they encounter, drawing on research and interviews, and framed by international human rights standards.
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Gendered impact of the Myanmar coup on free expression
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The military’s gross and systematic human rights violations have not been gender-neutral. The purpose of this report is to establish the gendered impact of the military coup on women and girls who are challenging the coup and asserting their rights.
