It has been a full 4 years since Myanmar fell under military dictatorship. During this time, several methods of oppression by the junta have been clearly evident. Since the day of the coup, pro-democratic ethnic armed organizations, including the youth generation, have formed alliances and resisted the junta with perseverance. The regions where the regime has lost control serve as milestones in the success of the revolution.
In a desperate attempt to conceal its significant losses, the junta is intensifying communication shutdowns, monitoring, and arresting individuals who speak out against them. This has led to the worst conditions for digital freedom in the 4 years since the coup.
This article describes the phenomenon of digital repression and the related incidents that occurred between November 2024 and January 2025.
Summary of Digital Oppression Issues in November 2024
(a) Shutting down mobile and internet connections
(b) Arrests limiting freedom of expression
(c) Attempts to enforce surveillance and monitoring of citizens
(d) Media freedom
(a) Shutting Down Mobile and Internet Connections
As the regime uses mobile and internet shutdowns as a tactical weapon, the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) has been able to document these shutdowns through reports from media outlets.
In November 2024, the regime cut off mobile connections across the entire Rakhine State, except for Sittwe City. Mawkun Media reported that mobile and internet connections were cut off in beach villages in Gwa Township, Rakhine State, where heavy clashes broke out between junta troops and the Arakan Army (AA). In Monghnyin City, where internet connections were cut off by the regime, Starlink internet services ceased after the regime threatened to confiscate the Starlink devices.
While the regime has been cutting off mobile and internet connections, some revolutionary forces have also initiated shutdowns for security reasons and to prevent airstrikes. In Mogoke City, the TNLA cut off Wi-Fi and internet connections after an airstrike on November 11. There was also an incident in which the MNDAA summoned several businessmen in Lashio City to question them and check their mobile devices.
Based on the mobile and internet shutdowns in this period, it is clear that the regime has been cutting off connections in areas with heavy clashes and conducting shutdowns and airstrikes in regions where they have lost control. They have also been preventing the establishment of independent internet connections.
Reports indicate that the socio-economic crisis is more severe in regions where internet connections have been cut off. In Chin State, locals are facing higher transaction costs compared to other regions due to the mobile and internet shutdowns. In Rakhine State, banking systems have ceased functioning because of the shutdowns and lack of security. In Kachin State, the flow of goods has slowed, and prices have significantly increased because of the shutdowns. Chin State, Rakhine State, and Kachin State are the regions most affected by prolonged mobile and internet shutdowns since clashes began between the regime and ethnic revolutionary forces.
These facts demonstrate that prolonged internet shutdowns not only hinder the flow of information but also have a severe impact on the socio-economic well-being of locals.
(b) Arrests Limiting Freedom of Expression
Surveillance and arrests for expressing opinions on social media are ongoing, and the regime is not sparing even pro-regime individuals or minors who criticize the regime. Retired officers have also not been exempt. Online pro-regime lobbyist Ngar Min Swe was arrested for criticizing regime leader Min Aung Hlaing. Phyo Myat, a 9th-grade student from Room B at No. (2) High School in Shwepyithar Township, Yangon, was arrested for uploading a video insulting Min Aung Hlaing. A retired police captain who supports the Arakan Army (AA) on social media, using the username SHWE ZAN, was charged under the 505 Act. According to data collected by the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP), at least 17 individuals have been arrested for expressing their opinions on social media.
(c) Attempts to Enforce Surveillance and Monitoring of Citizens
The regime has not only been making arrests for expressing opinions on social media but is also trying to monitor and surveil people's activities in any way possible.
The regime’s Minister of Immigration has issued an order to severely restrict the travel of blacklisted individuals. Due to the foreign currency crisis, the regime announced that, starting on January 1, 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs will only approve online sales license applications from the "e-Commerce Registration System" after conducting on-site checks of the businesses.
Due to the complex rules surrounding foreign currency, two widely used international currency services—Africa-based “Perfect Money” and U.S.-based “Payoneer”—have suspended their services for Myanmar citizens. Myanmar Now reported that after regime leader Min Aung Hlaing's visit to China, the Chinese-backed projects supporting the regime will include hundreds of police vehicles and facial recognition systems to be used at checkpoints.
(d) Media Freedom
The regime has imposed severe oppression on the media and reporters since the coup. Events from the past year have shown the revocation of media licenses and the imprisonment of reporters. There have also been cases where reporters were subjected to extreme oppression, leading to death or life-threatening situations.
This month, the regime formed the Myanmar Press Council, consisting of pro-regime members. It is ironic to form a press council with pro-regime members under the guise of protecting the interests of reporters. The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM), which was established by independent media, has condemned the formation of the Myanmar Press Council for this reason. The National Unity Government (NUG) has called for efforts to protect Myanmar reporters from the regime’s oppression.
Summary of Digital Oppression Issues in December 2024
(a) Shutting down mobile and internet connections
(b) Arrests limiting freedom of expression
(c) Attempts to enforce surveillance and monitoring of citizens
(a) Shutting Down Mobile and Internet Connections
The regime was continuing the internet shutdowns in 2024 December.
The Independent Mon News Agency has reported that Kyainseikgyi Township in Karen State can access the internet for only three hours a day. While struggling with internet shutdowns, civilian deaths have also occurred in Kyainseikgyi due to the junta’s artillery attacks.
Since the regime has been losing control of the majority of territories in Rakhine State, mobile connections have been shut down in almost all townships in Rakhine starting from November 16. Due to these mobile and internet shutdowns, the ability of NGOs and INGOs to regulate local children’s rights, women’s rights, education, health, mental development, rural development, and social security has become extremely challenging.
Mobile and internet connections were cut off in Kan Pauk Village, Yebyu Township, Dawei District, after clashes between junta troops and revolutionary armed forces. Moblie connections were cut off when the junta troops marched into Ashaytawnal region, Dawei Township. Similarly, mobile connections were cut off in Kyauk Ni Maw Village, Launglon Township, Tanintharyi Region, following clashes. Atom mobile connections were also cut off in Pyu Township, Bago Region, after clashes.
Bhamo City, where the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and junta troops are fighting, has been cut off from mobile connections. Taunggyi City in Southern Shan State has been experiencing severe mobile, internet, and electricity shutdowns since early December 2024.
Considering these situations, it is clear that the regime tends to cut off mobile and internet connections in conflict areas to stop the flow of information. This has resulted in civilian deaths and significant property losses due to the lack of timely information about ongoing conflicts.
Apart from these shutdowns, Pyin Oo Lwin City, where the junta’s military training facilities are located, has also experienced mobile and internet shutdowns due to jammer testing.
Mobile operators have reduced the data limits of monthly internet packages and canceled unlimited data plans. Since the coup, the cost of mobile internet usage has tripled.
While the junta is shutting down internet connections, resistance forces have also been enforcing some mobile and internet shutdowns for security reasons. In Mogoke City, the TNLA has banned internet usage for security purposes for over a month. The TNLA stated that it is difficult to predict when mobile and internet connections will be restored.
Media reports indicate that Mogoke locals are facing economic, educational, and social challenges due to the shutdown, along with the suspension of transaction services. Shwe Phee Myay News Agency reported that the TNLA has been taking action against unauthorized internet usage via Starlink, which has been banned due to security concerns related to potential airstrikes.
(b) Arrests Limiting Freedom of Expression
In addition to mobile and internet shutdowns, the regime has been arresting individuals for expressing opinions against them or supporting the revolution.
Among these arrests, the regime has targeted underage students and retired government officers. A monk with 27 years of ordination was arrested and charged with two offenses, including Section 505A, in Tachileik. According to pro-regime Telegram channels, including the Ministry of Information (MOI) and Myanmar Newspapers, a total of seven individuals—six males and one female—were arrested for expressing their opinions online. Three of them were arrested for their Facebook posts, while four were detained for using TikTok. December 2024 was recorded as the month with the fewest arrests related to expressing opinions on social media.
The decrease in the number of arrests for expressing opinions does not indicate stronger freedom of speech. Instead, social media users have been restraining themselves from speaking freely due to fear and the regime’s dissemination of misleading information. For instance, pro-regime channels did not report the arrest of the monk with 27 years of ordination in Tachileik, while independent media covered the incident. Freedom of speech in Myanmar, especially online, remains heavily oppressed.
(c) Attempts to Enforce Surveillance and Monitoring of Citizens
Previous reports have stated that the regime has been trying to establish a biodata collection process and install facial recognition CCTV in 2024.
After collecting UID/EID data, leaving the country was significantly restricted. CJ Platform reported that individuals trying to go abroad had to pay bribes of up to 1 million kyats at Yangon Airport. Job seekers in factories in Shwe Pyi Thar Township, Yangon Region, were employed only if they had an Electronic Identification (EID).
The regime has been trying to persuade people to use the MySpace social media platform instead of Facebook. If the regime’s MySpace social network becomes well-established, it will be able to monitor all citizens’ online activities.
This month, after heavy clashes broke out in Rakhine State, travelers holding national IDs issued in Rakhine State were stopped, and their mobile phones were checked.
Summary of Digital Oppression Issues in January 2025
(a) Shutting down mobile and internet connections
(b) Arrests limiting freedom of expression
(c) Attempts to enforce surveillance and monitoring of citizen
(d) Media freedom
(a) Shutting Down Mobile and Internet Connections
As the conflicts between the regime and revolutionary forces have intensified, the regions experiencing mobile and internet connection shutdowns have also expanded.
Clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and the regime have spread into the Ayeyarwady Region and the border areas of Rakhine State, resulting in mobile shutdowns in Thabaung Township, Ayeyarwady Region, and villages along the coast. Mobile and electricity shutdowns occurred in Bawmi Village, Shwethaungyan Town, Pathein Township, after clashes broke out.
The regime is increasingly using airstrikes in conflict areas. AA’s spokesperson, Khaing Thu Kha, warned locals to be cautious when using mobile phones and the internet to avoid detection during airstrikes. Western News reported that the AA has also imposed mobile and internet shutdowns in its controlled regions of Rakhine State. Due to these shutdowns, Rakhine locals have had to rely on radios for information, causing radio prices to rise up to 100,000 kyats.
Villages in Zayarwaddy City, Pyu Township, Bago Region, were cut off from mobile and internet connections after clashes between the regime’s troops and resistance forces. Following these shutdowns, the regime has been conducting daily drone bombings on villages within Zayarwaddy Township.
It has been six months since the entire Kachin State was cut off from mobile and internet connections. However, this month, Myitkyina City in Kachin State regained partial access to MPT mobile connections, causing MPT SIM card prices to rise up to 35,000 kyats. Although some regions in Kachin State like Danai City, can now access mobile connections like MPT and ATOM, network issues persist.
Due to the installation of jammers by the regime, frequent mobile connection outages have occurred in townships near Mingaladon Air Base. According to Yangon locals, mobile connections are often disrupted near government offices.
A woman died in a bombing on the morning of January 22 in Ward No. (5), Kyeikdon Town, Kawkareik Township, Karen State. Kyeikdon Town has been cut off from mobile and internet connections by the regime. Mobile connections were also shut down due to the destruction of cell towers by the regime’s bombings in Gangaw Township, Magway Region. DVB Media reported that mobile and internet connection disruptions occurred in Tamu Town, Sagaing Region. The TNLA has restricted the use of mobile and internet services for security reasons due to the regime’s continuous bombings in Kyaukme City, Northern Shan State, a TNLA-controlled region.
Locals in areas where the regime has cut off mobile and internet connections are suffering from airstrikes. In regions where the regime has lost control, there have also been mobile and internet shutdowns due to security concerns related to airstrikes.
In Paletwa Township, Chin State, an AA-controlled region, the same town was bombed by the regime on January 13, and mobile and internet connections were cut off afterward. Most of the villages inside Kan Pauk subtownship, Yebyu Township, Dawei District were encountering mobile and internet shutdown.
The American End-User Review Committee (ERC) has placed the Myanmar Army-controlled telecom company, Mytel, on the Entity List. Due to internet restrictions, Myanmar’s economy suffered a loss of 1.58 billion USD in 2024, according to a report by the UK-based Top10VPN team.
(b) Arrests Limiting Freedom of Expression
The regime has been arresting individuals for expressing opinions against them or supporting the revolution on the internet, as they did in previous months.
Former dictator Than Shwe’s son-in-law, Dr. Nay Soe Maung, was charged under 505A and sentenced to 3 years in prison for criticizing the regime via social media.
According to pro-regime Telegram channels, including the Ministry of Information (MOI) and Myanmar Newspapers, 3 males and 1 female were arrested for criticizing the regime online. Three were arrested for using Facebook, and one was arrested for using Telegram to criticize the regime. The arrested individuals were from the following locations: 1 from Nyaung-U Township, 1 from Amarapura Township in Mandalay Region, 1 from Hlaing Township, 1 from Dagon Myothit Township in Yangon Region, and 1 from Ayeyarwaddy Region.
(c) Attempts to Enforce Surveillance and Monitoring of Citizens
The regime has been monitoring citizens in every aspect, using both law and technology throughout the entire coup period. On January 1st, 2024, the regime enacted the Cybersecurity Law, which includes severe prison sentences and fines to monitor and control internet users.
According to Cybersecurity Law Act 33, all digital services within the country with more than 100,000 users are required to keep personal data of users, along with any data requested by the department, for up to 3 years.
According to Act 44, creating or providing VPN services requires permission from the Ministry. Creating a VPN without permission is punishable by 1 month to a maximum of 6 months in prison, a fine ranging from 1 million kyats to 10 million kyats, or both. There are concerns about the protection of personal data from VPN services built under the Cybersecurity Law.
After the Cybersecurity Law was enacted, Mandalay Free Press reported that locals were stopped, and their mobiles were checked, with authorities using the Cyber Law to blackmail them since the beginning of January. During these checks, not only VPNs, but also contact lists and call history were being examined.
The regime’s central bank announced that it would take action against 17 Facebook pages, 17 Facebook groups, and 17 Facebook accounts for destabilizing the dollar currency market.
(d) Media Freedom
Rakhine State-based Development Media Group (DMG) reporter Htet Aung and office staff Soe Win Aung had their sentences increased by another 5 years in prison with hard labor, according to Section 96 of the Television and Broadcasting Law. They had already been sentenced to 5 years in prison with hard labor under Section 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law by Sittwe Court on June 28th, 2024.
The regime’s Minister of Information, Maung Maung Ohn, has threatened the media, stating that reporting news that hurts the Army and the regime or supporting news for the revolution will result in legal action.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported on January 16th, 2024, that Myanmar is the third-worst country in terms of imprisoning reporters. Since the February 1st, 2021 coup, over 200 reporters have been arrested, and 43 reporters are still in prison, according to the Thailand-based Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM).
EngageMedia is publishing English translations of the Myanmar Digital Coup Quarterly produced by the Myanmar Internet Project. This post covers updates between November 2024 to January 2025 and highlights digital oppression incidents documented during that period. Read the original post in Burmese here, and learn more about EngageMedia’s broader work to support digital rights in Myanmar on EngageMedia.org/Myanmar.
Read the other editions of the report.
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