Summary
Our project investigated the far-reaching consequences of Myanmar’s military VPN blockage, revealing how it undermined both individual freedoms and the nation’s socio-economic development. By documenting these impacts, we aimed to highlight the urgent need for global action to protect digital rights in repressive regimes. The project was completed with a final report launched in November 2024.
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In February 2021, Myanmar underwent a dramatic shift in its political landscape following a military coup. This event marked the beginning of an intense crackdown on civic freedoms, including a severe restriction on digital rights. The military rapidly implemented internet shutdowns, increased censorship, and heightened surveillance, all in a bid to control the flow of information and suppress dissent. Among the most critical measures taken was the blocking of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This action has had profound implications for the people of Myanmar, affecting their ability to access information, communicate, and maintain their livelihoods.
Our project seeks to assess the impact of the military’s VPN blockage, focusing on how it has affected access to information, freedom of expression, and the broader socio-economic development of the country. Understanding these impacts is crucial, not only for documenting the scale of repression in Myanmar but also for informing international efforts to protect digital rights and freedoms globally.
Objectives
The primary objective of our project is to comprehensively understand the ramifications of the VPN blockage in Myanmar. Specifically, we aim to:
- Document the Impact on Access to Information: VPNs have been a lifeline for many in Myanmar, enabling access to crucial information, including news, education, and economic opportunities. Our project will assess how the blockage has curtailed these vital activities.
- Analyse the Effects on Freedom of Expression: The ability to express oneself freely online is a cornerstone of democratic society. We will explore how the VPN blockage has stifled public discourse and silenced voices, particularly in the context of political dissent and civil society activism.
- Examine Broader Socio-Economic Consequences: The blockage’s impact extends beyond individual rights, affecting the country’s economy and social fabric. We aim to understand how businesses, education, and social services have been disrupted, leading to long-term developmental challenges.
- Highlight Marginalisation and Intersectionality: The impact of the VPN blockage is not uniform; marginalised groups, including rural communities, ethnic minorities, and women, are likely to suffer disproportionately. We will investigate these intersectional impacts to ensure that the most vulnerable voices are heard.
Importance of the project
This project is essential for several reasons. First, it provides a detailed account of the human rights violations stemming from the VPN blockage, offering critical evidence that can be used to hold the Myanmar military accountable. Second, it highlights the broader implications of digital repression, showing how it can undermine not only political freedoms but also socio-economic development and public well-being. Third, it informs international policymakers and human rights organisations about the urgent need to defend digital rights as fundamental human rights.
Understanding the impact of Myanmar’s VPN blockage is not just about documenting repression; it’s about ensuring that similar actions do not go unnoticed or unchallenged in other parts of the world. The lessons learned here can inform global efforts to protect and promote digital freedoms, particularly in repressive regimes.
Methodology
To achieve our objectives, we will employ a multi-faceted approach:
- Data Collection and Analysis: We will monitor online activity and interactions across various sectors, including health, education, business, and civil society.
- Surveys and Interviews: Engaging directly with affected communities, we will gather qualitative data to understand the personal and social impacts of the VPN block.
- Legal Framework Assessment: We will analyse the VPN blockage within the context of international human rights law to determine its legality and the obligations it violates.
This project is a critical step in shedding light on the consequences of digital repression in Myanmar and advocating for the protection of digital rights globally.