The Great Firewall of Myanmar

Executive summary

On 30 May 2024, Myanmar’s military regime imposed a nationwide block on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), restricting internet access and violating multiple human rights. Before the block, VPNs became widely used after the 2021 coup to bypass censorship, access blocked websites, including Facebook, and ensure online privacy. This report analyses the first three months of the VPN block and over three billion interactions on Facebook, revealing the block’s far-reaching consequences for Myanmar’s population. The key findings are:

1. The VPN block combined with the previous Facebook ban has massively reduced access to information. 300 of Myanmar’s most important Facebook pages saw an average 30% decline in public interactions on the platform after May 2024, with an estimated loss of 53 million interactions between June and August 2024.
2. The VPN block has severely affected media outlets and prevented access to information provided by health services, educational institutions, markets, and awareness-raising civil society organisations. Many have lost between 30% and 60% of their previous audiences.
3. The block has threatened Myanmar’s burgeoning digital economy. Thousands of small, medium, and large businesses nationwide have seen an average decline of 59% in online customers.
4. The combined VPN and Facebook block may be the largest-ever act of censorship in Myanmar, a country with a long history of repression. In the past three months alone, nearly 4 million posts, shares, and comments are effectively missing, each representing an individual act of expression censored.
5. The Deep Packet Inspection technology used to implement the VPN block is used in China’s Great Firewall and enables advanced mass surveillance that has not been seen before in Myanmar.
6. The block will exacerbate pre-existing inequalities and exclusion of rural communities, low-income groups, ethnic minorities, and women. It is highly likely to harm public mental health. 

Urgent action is needed from the military, international community, businesses, and future Myanmar governments to address this digital rights crisis and ensure the internet remains a space for realising human rights for all.

Introduction

Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar’s civic space has significantly shrunk, with the military systematically dismantling civil liberties both online and offline. They have increased online censorship, blocked social media, expanded digital surveillance, and imposed internet shutdowns to suppress public dissent, particularly on Facebook, which is the main way most people in Myanmar access the internet. People have started using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass these restrictions and access the internet freely.

This report analyses the first three months of the VPN block (31 May to 31 August 2024) on Facebook use and its effects on human rights and development in Myanmar. Data from over 10 billion interactions with 3 million posts across 332 key Facebook pages was collected and analysed. These pages were chosen based on their influence, reach, credibility, and leadership in different sectors, including media outlets, influencers, businesses, government agencies, service providers, and civil society organisations, to provide a comprehensive overview of the VPN block’s consequences.

The VPN block

Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are applications that create a secure connection over a less secure network, like the internet. VPN applications, installed on a phone or computer, redirect incoming and outgoing internet traffic through a remote server, usually encrypting all information and hiding what information is being exchanged or who is exchanging it. Government agencies, businesses, and individuals worldwide use VPNs, and many services, such as online banking, need VPNs to operate securely.

Since the coup, millions of people across Myanmar installed multiple VPN applications on their devices and often switch between them to maintain access to the internet. In response to this, the military-controlled Ministry of Transport and Communications enlisted a domestic company called Mascots Group to develop a system capable of blocking VPNs.¹ This system utilised technology from the Chinese firm Geedge Networks, including Tiangou Secure Gateway (TSG) and Cyber Narrator, which rely on advanced “deep packet inspection” (DPI) technology similarly used in the “Great Firewall of China”.² DPI technology is designed to identify, intercept, and block certain types of data, including VPN protocols. This represents the military’s first use of such sophisticated surveillance technology, comparable to that used by authoritarian regimes like China, Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.

On 30 May 2024, the DPI systems and the VPN block were suddenly turned on, immediately disabling many VPN applications. This had a nationwide impact, instantly disrupting secure access to the internet for millions of people, including their ability to use Facebook. As there were no large-scale solutions available to circumvent the VPN block, the public has been forced to constantly search for new VPN applications that remain undetected by the military’s evolving DPI system. This has resulted in a growing market for VPN resellers, although there have also been increasing reports of scams and data interception.

Legal basis

The legal basis for the VPN block remains opaque, as the military has not explained their grounds for the installation of TSG and Cyber Narrator systems, or the authorisation of DPI surveillance and interception. However, the military probably invoked Article 77 of the Telecommunication Law (2013), which allows the government to instruct telecommunications license holders to block or suspend services in the public interest during emergencies.³

The ambiguous language of Article 77 fails to define what qualifies as an “emergency” or “public interest” and lacks safeguards to prevent potential misuse.⁴ This lack of legal clarity poses challenges under international human rights law, particularly in relation to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The ICCPR requires that restrictions on rights be clearly defined by law and proportionate to their legitimate aim. Additionally, the military’s use of coercive legal measures to compel telecommunications companies to comply under Article 15(a) of the Telecommunications Law exacerbates these violations, stripping away any semblance of digital rights protections.⁵

Curtailing access to information

On 30 May, there was an immediate and noticeable impact when millions of people were no longer able to access Facebook using VPN applications that had been used to circumvent the military’s efforts to block the platform. The impact is most clearly seen in a significant decrease in public interactions with 332 important Facebook pages monitored by Human Rights Myanmar. 

The chart below shows this impact over time. The horizontal axis represents the three months following the VPN block, from June to August 2024. The vertical axis shows the percentage change each month compared to the average before the VPN block. A downward bar into the minuses indicates a decrease, with June showing a -31% drop, July a -22% drop, and August a -37% drop in public interactions compared to pre-block levels. Most of the bars in the following charts show a downward trend, indicating a widespread reduction in Facebook activity during these months.

The decrease in Facebook activity demonstrates the significant challenge of accessing information due to the VPN block. Data collected by Human Rights Myanmar shows a loss of 52,921,929 interactions on monitored pages between June and August 2024, reflecting nearly 53 million missed opportunities to engage with essential online information. This number represents only a portion of the wider decline likely experienced across all Facebook pages. The following sections address the sharp decrease in access to specific types of information indispensable to the Myanmar public.

Current affairs

Amid ongoing conflict and political unrest in Myanmar, the public must have access to timely and accurate information about current affairs. This information is essential for making well-informed decisions about safety, livelihoods, and daily activities. However, the VPN block has significantly hindered this access. An analysis carried out by Human Rights Myanmar on 189 media outlet pages and 33 political and social influencer pages on Facebook reveals a sizable decrease in public interactions since the VPN block was turned on. The following chart shows that interactions with media outlets fell by between 21% and 39% in the three following months, while influencer interactions declined even further before rebounding in August.

The decrease in engagement with current affairs content indicates declining public exposure to accurate information, diverse viewpoints, and important debates, which are essential for understanding Myanmar’s complex socio-political landscape. The next two charts show the harmful effects of the VPN block on the pages of the largest media outlets and most popular influencers in Myanmar, resulting in some cases in their audiences being reduced to almost zero.⁶

Blocking access to current affairs information hinders the public’s ability to make well-informed decisions. Posts from people on Facebook show growing frustration over the unavailability of updates, emphasising the urgent need for timely information, especially during emergencies. The following testimonies highlight the potentially life-affecting consequences of delayed information and the financial challenges faced by those striving to stay connected online amidst the blockade.

The first person is complaining about not being able to access any information for the past 10 hours. The second person is stressing the urgent need for information about flooding in Myanmar, saying, “The faster the information, the more likely it is to save lives.” The third person is questioning if it is still worth paying for internet access following the VPN block. These examples represent the experiences of those who have eventually managed to regain some access to Facebook, while many more remain disconnected due to the VPN block.

Development

The VPN block has significantly hindered access to information essential for Myanmar’s development, affecting services, updates, and resources across various sectors. This section examines two crucial sources of information—health pages and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) pages—as representative examples of the broader impact on all areas covered by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as education, environmental sustainability, and poverty reduction.

According to Human Rights Myanmar’s analysis of 11 popular health pages, there has been a dramatic decline in public interactions with health-related information, from 43% fewer in June 2024 to 62% fewer in August. This reduced access to health information may exacerbate public health risks, including ongoing issues such as Covid-19 and emerging crises like cholera. The below chart also shows that public interactions with 57 prominent CSO pages dropped by 65% in June 2024, with only marginal improvement by August. CSO pages are crucial for various development sectors in Myanmar because they provide services, awareness raising, and advocacy.

Between June and August 2024, there were 444,979 fewer public interactions with CSO and health-related pages. The following testimonies underscore the effect of the VPN block on accessing information that enables development.

The first person is expressing frustration at being blocked from accessing an education platform, which is particularly important for those reliant on remote learning due to the closure of many educational facilities during Covid-19, the coup, and then the conflict. The second person is explaining that those people who can no longer access a Facebook page on identifying venomous snakes must look for information elsewhere. These varied examples represent just two of the many problems caused by the VPN block undermining development in Myanmar.

Trade and business

The VPN block has adversely affected access to information vital for trade and business, further complicating Myanmar’s economic development. Data from eight Facebook pages essential for financial planning shows a reduction in public interactions by up to 69%, impeding small, medium, and large enterprises’ ability to track market prices, plan trade, and make informed decisions. The following chart also shows that agricultural pages, which provide essential information for farmers and the farming trade about market prices and crop management, experienced an even greater decline in public interactions—down by 89% in August 2024.

The VPN block has also disrupted the public’s ability to do business within Myanmar’s growing digital economy. The following testimonies illustrate how the VPN block has hindered economic activities in practice. The first person complains that the block has prevented her clothing business from reaching potential buyers. The second explains similar challenges in managing a catering enterprise. The third criticises the block for harming their art business. Each of these micro-level cases reflects the broader, macro-level ramifications of the VPN block upon Myanmar’s already struggling economy.

Misinformation and disinformation

Human Rights Myanmar’s analysis demonstrates that the VPN block has severely restricted the public’s access to credible and essential information on a range of critical topics. Although specific data remains limited, the resulting information vacuum has likely driven people to seek information from alternative, often unreliable sources. Some individuals may find no information at all, while others may encounter misinformation—false information spread without malicious intent. In the most harmful cases, individuals may be exposed to disinformation or propaganda—intentionally false and deceptive information—designed to distort understanding of important issues, erode trust in credible sources, and lead to misguided decisions. The 53 million lost public interactions with the 332 Facebook pages monitored by Human Rights Myanmar likely contributed to an increase in the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda.

Censorship

The VPN block has not only drastically restricted public access to reliable information, likely contributing to the spread of misinformation, but it has also severely compromised freedom of expression. In effect, this constitutes a form of mass censorship. Before the military coup, Facebook played a pivotal role in fostering public discourse. Following the violent suppression of offline spaces by the military, Facebook emerged as one of the few remaining platforms where individuals could express themselves relatively freely, often using anonymity for protection. While other social media platforms are still accessible, none match Facebook’s nationwide reach or its capacity to connect individuals from diverse social and geographic backgrounds. Consequently, Facebook has become indispensable for communication, and the restrictions imposed by the VPN block have significantly undermined the public’s ability to freely communicate, share ideas, and engage in open debate.

Content creators

The VPN block has directly censored content creators, as evidenced by the notable reduction in posts across the 332 Facebook pages monitored by Human Rights Myanmar since the block was imposed in May 2024. Content creators—ranging from media outlets to individuals sharing development-related information—have been significantly affected. The following chart illustrates the decline: current affairs pages, including media outlets, saw a decrease in posts by 4% in June and 18% in August, while development-related pages experienced a more consistent monthly reduction of 22 to 29%. Even business and trade pages faced notable drops in content creation, with decreases ranging from 5 to 9% per month.

Human Rights Myanmar estimates that 7,469 fewer posts were published between June and August than would have been expected before the block. This reduction underscores the substantial challenges faced by content creators in accessing platforms like Facebook due to the VPN block. This censorship is not merely about fewer updates but reflects a larger disruption in the timeliness and accessibility of information necessary for informed public discourse. Content creators, who play a vital role in providing accurate and timely information, now face significant barriers in reaching their audiences.

Audiences

The consequences of the VPN block extend beyond content creators to the public’s ability to engage in meaningful debate. Human Rights Myanmar’s monitoring of the 332 Facebook pages also revealed a significant drop in audience responses, highlighting the block’s role in the mass censorship of the Myanmar public. 

The following chart shows a sharp decline in comments since the VPN block began, with business and trade pages experiencing the most severe reductions, ranging from 48% to 64%. Development and current affairs pages saw declines of between 15% and 43%. Comments on Facebook serve as a critical exercise of the right to freedom of expression, allowing individuals to voice their opinions, engage in discussions, and participate in collective debates. In a country like Myanmar, where offline spaces for expression are highly restricted, the ability to comment online provides a crucial platform for articulating views and engaging in public dialogue. The drastic reduction in commenting reflects the broader impact of the VPN block on the public’s ability to participate in democratic discourse.

A similar pattern is observed in the decline in Facebook shares, as illustrated in the next chart. Sharing posts is another fundamental exercise of free expression, enabling individuals to disseminate ideas and information to wider audiences. In Myanmar, where information is often heavily censored, sharing content on Facebook plays a critical role in countering censorship and raising awareness of key issues. The sharp drop in shares not only signals a loss of online activity but also signifies a severe restriction on individuals’ ability to contribute to public discourse. Sharing content is an active form of expression, amplifying diverse voices and messages that might otherwise be suppressed.

The ability to exchange ideas online—whether through content creation, audience commenting, or sharing—is an integral part of any democratic society. Human Rights Myanmar estimates that between June and August 2024, there were 3,747,705 fewer comments and shares across the 332 monitored Facebook pages than would have been expected before the VPN block. This represents nearly 4 million instances of effective censorship, severely limiting the Myanmar public’s ability to exercise their right to freedom of expression in an already repressive context.

Invasion of privacy

The military’s deployment of Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology not only enables the VPN block but also significantly expands its surveillance and interception capabilities. DPI is a sophisticated method of examining data packets transmitted across the internet, going far beyond basic forms of monitoring, which only reveal the source and destination of internet traffic. By allowing detailed inspection of the actual content within these data packets, DPI grants the military highly invasive powers.

Although there is currently no concrete data on the extent of DPI’s use for surveillance in Myanmar, its mere implementation signals a profound threat to the right to privacy. DPI’s capacity to track individuals’ online activity, intercept sensitive communications, and even decrypt certain forms of encrypted data poses a grave risk to privacy, particularly in an environment where freedom of expression and access to information are already heavily restricted. 

The use of such intrusive surveillance technology compounds the chilling effect on online activity, as many people may abstain from expressing themselves or seeking information online due to fears that their communications are being monitored. Unchecked surveillance powers threaten privacy violations on a massive scale, affecting not only political activists, human rights defenders, and journalists but also ordinary people. The widespread use of DPI technology deepens the climate of repression, reinforcing the military’s control over both public and private spaces, and amplifying the dangers faced by those attempting to exercise their fundamental rights. 

Psychosocial impact

The VPN block will have far-reaching social and psychological consequences in Myanmar. These effects, though less tangible and harder to quantify, are nonetheless deeply significant. The disruption of communication and online spaces will affect daily life, decision-making, and the emotional well-being of the Myanmar public, exacerbating existing stress and trauma in a nation already grappling with political instability and conflict.

Daily life and decision-making

Reduced access to information has serious implications for people’s daily lives. In a context where accurate, timely information is essential for decisions about health, education, and livelihoods, the VPN block will increase uncertainty and amplify stress. This is particularly severe in conflict-prone areas, where reliable information can mean the difference between safety and harm. Without access to information, people will experience heightened fear, insecurity, and helplessness, further straining mental health.

Disruption of online communities and social isolation

In Myanmar, online platforms like Facebook have become vital spaces for forming and maintaining social connections, especially given the lack of free and safe offline spaces. The VPN block disrupts these digital communities, cutting people off from support networks. This isolation exacerbates feelings of loneliness and despair, robbing individuals of opportunities to seek emotional support, share experiences, or feel solidarity. The breakdown of these communities contributes to a deeper sense of alienation, worsening public mental health.

Fear of surveillance

The VPN block also compounds the fear of surveillance. As people try to bypass restrictions, the perceived threat of being monitored by the military will intensify. This sense of being watched stifles online expression and adds to psychological burdens, especially for those already fearing repression. Constant worry about privacy and surveillance increases anxiety, hypervigilance, and, in some cases, paranoia.

Cumulative psychological impact and trauma

The cumulative effects of limited access to information, disrupted communities, isolation, and fear of surveillance will deepen trauma and psychological distress in Myanmar. In a country already enduring violence, political repression, and instability, the VPN block further erodes public mental health by severing lines of communication and increasing fear. The result is a significant and widespread psychological toll on an already vulnerable population.

Marginalisation and intersectionality

The VPN block exacerbates pre-existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities already facing systemic discrimination. An intersectional analysis reveals that the VPN block deepens these disparities, leaving marginalised groups even more isolated from critical resources and opportunities.

Increased isolation and financial burdens

Rural communities in Myanmar rely on the internet to overcome geographic isolation, and access markets, education, health information, and communication. The VPN block cuts them off from these vital resources, increasing their vulnerability to conflict, economic instability, and exploitation. This deepens the urban-rural divide and marginalises rural populations even further.

Low-income communities, already struggling with the cost of living, rely on VPNs to access the digital economy and information. The VPN block forces them to seek alternative, often more expensive, ways to connect online, increasing financial strain. This further entrenches poverty and limits opportunities for upward mobility, as access to education, jobs, and services becomes even more difficult.

Exclusion of ethnic minorities and women

Ethnic minorities, long excluded and discriminated against, are disproportionately affected by the VPN block. These communities depend on digital platforms for access to services in their languages and critical localised information, particularly in conflict areas. The block isolates them further, cutting off vital communication and information lifelines.

Women in Myanmar already face significant barriers to accessing health, education, and economic information and opportunities. The VPN block disrupts access to online platforms that offer gender-based support, advocacy, and resources. Without these digital spaces, women’s ability to engage in public discourse, access information, and advocate for their rights is severely limited, worsening gender disparities.

VPN block as a human rights violation

While governments have a responsibility to protect national security, maintain public order, and prevent online crimes, any measures such as the VPN block must be carefully balanced with the human rights they restrict. Under international human rights law, such measures must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate to their goals. Myanmar’s military, like a legitimate government, is obligated to uphold these principles.

Freedom of expression

Freedom of expression is the human right most directly affected by the VPN block. Protected under Article 19(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), freedom of expression includes the right to seek, receive, and impart information through any media regardless of frontiers. Although freedom of expression may be restricted in specific circumstances, the VPN block is a clear violation on the following grounds:

• Legality: Myanmar’s domestic laws, such as the Telecommunications Law and the Electronic Transactions Law, provide vague grounds for restricting communications. These laws fail to meet the requirement of legality, as they lack precision and clarity, allowing arbitrary enforcement.
• Legitimate aim: The military justifies the VPN block as a national security measure. However, any national security restriction must address a real and specific threat to the country—not the authorities—and cannot be used as a pretext for broader censorship.
• Necessity and proportionality: The VPN block impacts millions of people, hindering access to essential information and services without addressing any specific security threat. The broad, indiscriminate nature of the block makes it an unnecessary and disproportionate restriction.

Civil and political rights

In addition to freedom of expression, the VPN block likely violates several other fundamental rights protected under the ICCPR:

• Right to privacy (ICCPR Article 17(1)): The installation of DPI technology to enforce the block raises serious concerns about mass surveillance.
• Right to freedom of association (ICCPR Article 22(1-2)): By limiting access to online platforms, the block disrupts the ability of individuals and organisations to come together, organise, and advocate.
• Right to participate in public affairs (ICCPR Article 25(a)): The block silences political discourse, limiting public participation in governance.

Economic, social, and cultural rights

The VPN block may also violate several rights under the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), as it severely impacts access to resources, services, and opportunities essential to social and economic well-being:

• Right to Work (ICESCR Article 6(1)): Restricting access to economic information and digital markets impacts people’s ability to sustain livelihoods.
• Right to Health (ICESCR Article 12(1)): Limited access to health information during times of conflict and pandemic endangers lives.
• Right to Education (ICESCR Article 13(1)): The block disrupts access to educational resources, worsening inequalities.
• Right to Take Part in Cultural Life (ICESCR Article 15(1)(a)): The block hinders cultural expression and participation.
• Right to Enjoy the Benefits of Scientific Progress (ICESCR Article 15(1)(b)): The block impedes knowledge sharing and curtails innovation.

While no courts in Myanmar or internationally can currently hold the military accountable, framing the VPN block as a violation of fundamental human rights lays the groundwork for future accountability. By documenting these violations, civil society can build a movement demanding justice and transparency, pushing for a future Myanmar that fully commits to international human rights standards.

Predicting the future

The long-term implications of Myanmar’s VPN block are complex, shaped by an ongoing interplay between military control and public adaptation. While the immediate effects are significant, the future trajectory is less certain and likely to evolve as both authorities and the public adjust their strategies.

The VPN block’s persistence may not lead to a permanent digital lockdown. Myanmar’s population, particularly its tech-savvy youth, has shown resilience in circumventing digital restrictions. New methods of bypassing these controls are likely to emerge, including more sophisticated VPN technologies, mesh networks, or lesser-known social media platforms.

However, the military regime’s primary goal is to suppress opposition, regardless of the platform or technology used. Any new circumvention methods or alternative platforms that gain popularity are likely to become targets for subsequent restrictions, potentially leading to a cycle of blockades and workarounds.

The economic impact may be mitigated if businesses and individuals can successfully pivot to alternative communication channels. However, the constant need to adapt could create inefficiencies that hamper economic growth and deter international investment. Access to information and essential services may follow a similar pattern of disruption and adaptation. While the initial impact on areas such as health information and education is severe, alternative delivery methods may emerge over time.

The psychological effects of digital restrictions are likely to be significant but may evolve. Initial feelings of isolation could give way to increased resilience and community-building through alternative means. However, the constant threat of surveillance and the need to frequently change communication methods could lead to sustained stress.

The normalisation of digital authoritarianism remains a grave concern, particularly as the military adopts more advanced technologies to enforce control and commit human rights violations. The involvement of China, which operates one of the world’s most restrictive digital spaces, adds another layer of complexity. China’s expertise in digital surveillance and censorship technologies could significantly enhance the military’s capabilities, potentially leading to more sophisticated and pervasive methods of online repression.

Conclusion

The VPN block together with website and social media blocks imposed by Myanmar’s military constitutes a serious and systematic violation of multiple human rights protected under international law. Analysis by Human Rights Myanmar shows the VPN block has further obstructed access to essential information, silenced content creators and their audiences, enabled mass surveillance, and harmed mental health, violating a wide range of civil, political, economic, cultural, and social rights. Circumventing the VPN block is very difficult and these impacts will likely worsen over time, leading to severe long-term consequences.

The Facebook ban and VPN block combined may be the largest act of censorship in Myanmar’s history. The data highlighted in this report shows millions of missing posts, comments, and shares, each one an individual act of expression that will never be seen, read, or heard.

The greatest “victims” of the VPN block are groups already marginalised. The block exacerbates and deepens multiple, intersectional, and pre-existing vulnerabilities, exclusions, and inequalities faced by rural populations, low-income groups, ethnic minorities, and women. Beyond the more tangible harms, it also disrupts social networks, increases isolation, and heightens fears of military repression.

Immediate action is needed to restore internet access in Myanmar. While the military is not a legitimate government, it still has obligations under international law. The VPN block cannot be considered lawful, legitimate, necessary, or proportionate, making it a clear violation of international law.

The international community must respond with diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions, and support for civil society and digital rights efforts. Businesses, including telecommunications companies, must fulfil their human rights responsibilities, interpreting military requests in ways that minimise their negative impact on human rights.

As we look ahead to a Myanmar free from military control, any future government must commit to upholding international human rights standards, particularly in the digital sphere. This includes revising national laws to safeguard digital rights and freedoms. The VPN block highlights the need for continued vigilance to ensure that the internet remains a space for the realisation of human rights for all.

Recommendations

To a future legitimate government:

• Continue to highlight the military’s attacks on digital rights, emphasising the impact across society and the economy.
• Develop in consultation a clear, timebound plan to safeguard digital rights, rolling back laws, directives, and policies created by the military to bring them into accordance with international standards.
• Engage with digital businesses, including telecommunications companies, to clarify immediate expectations of the need to narrowly interpret military orders in a manner that best safeguards digital rights.

To the international community:

• Impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for implementing and maintaining the VPN block.
• Provide technical and financial support to civil society organisations working to promote digital rights and internet freedom in Myanmar.

To technology companies, including Meta:

• Develop and implement technologies that can circumvent VPN blocks and other forms of internet censorship.
• Invest in digital literacy programs and tools that help users protect their privacy and security online.

To civil society organisations (CSOs):

• Continue to develop and disseminate resources on digital security and circumvention tools to help people in Myanmar safely access information online.
• Advocate for the inclusion of digital rights protections in future legal and constitutional reforms in Myanmar.

By implementing these recommendations, stakeholders can contribute to restoring internet freedom in Myanmar and protecting the digital rights of its people. This is crucial not only for addressing the immediate crisis but also for laying the groundwork for a more open, inclusive, and rights-respecting digital future in Myanmar.

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Footnotes

1. Khit Thit Media (2024), “Use of Facebook with VPN has been banned in Myanmar from May 30”. ↩︎
2. Justice for Myanmar (2024), “The Myanmar junta’s partners in digital surveillance and censorship”. ↩︎
3. Free Expression Myanmar (2017), “Telecommunications Law”. ↩︎
4. Free Expression Myanmar (2017), “Telecommunications Law”. ↩︎
5. Khit Thit Media (2024), “Use of Facebook with VPN has been banned in Myanmar from May 30”. ↩︎
6. Individual outlets and influencers have been anonymised to protect them from any further harm that could be caused by the audience decline. ↩︎
7. Name changed to protect them from repercussions. ↩︎
8. Name changed to protect them from repercussions. ↩︎