The Situation of Digital Repression in Myanmar in the Year 2024 (Part 1)

Introduction

Information and communication technology is a hotbed sector wherein nations around the globe are racing to further advance in the 21st century. It is also a crucial element for citizens to develop and access education, social life and also participate in the digital economy. It also facilitates citizens to practice their freedom of expression - a key pillar of democracy. Therefore, internet freedom is key to the fundamental human right of the 21st century since it facilitates as a backbone to uphold the freedom of information and freedom of expression.  For that reason, we can conclude that blocking or restriction of communication, in the 21st century, is not only a violation of human rights but also a crime against humanity. 

After the 2021 coup, Myanmar’s Information Information and communication sector fell incredibly backward under the military regime. Coup leaders, throughout the coup period, have attempted to control the digital space. Freedom of expression of the ordinary citizens has been repressed. They have worked to surveillance, monitor and control the online activities of the public and have imposed a number of internet shutdowns across the country. Online freedom of Information has been repressed. It was found that, In the internet shutdown regions, they have also carried out, including air strikes, the attacks that severely affected the residents. 

In this annual report, we will explore and present the digital repression events imposed on the citizens by the SAC through 2024 and the public suffering due to these repressions.

Data Collection Method 

We monitored and collected the digital repression news and incidents reported by the independent media outlets over the course of an entire year for this report. Additionally, we tracked the trusted telegram news channels that report the regional news. To access statements and information about certain digital repression events, we also watched several pro-SAC Telegram channels and websites. While we are facing the security concern and it is difficult to directly interview residents due to the communication problems, to verify data that was collected, we utilized analyzing and reviewing reports from multiple news agencies.

Current States of Internet Shutdown and Restriction

The history of Myanmar Technology is covered by instances of internet shutdowns. During the 2007 Saffron Revolution under the military government led by General Than Shwe, the country, firstly, experienced an internet blackout. During the era led by the NLD government, the internet shutdown imposed in Chin and Rakhine States was recorded as the longest internet shutdown in the world. 

After the 2021 coup, internet shutdowns worsened incredibly in Myanmar. There had been 6 times internet shutdown experience that affected the nationwide. The SAC severely enforced the internet shutdowns in the areas of intense conflict as well as in regions where territory was ceded to ethnic armed groups and revolutionary forces. According to a report released by Athan, since the 2021 coup to 2024 August, 108 townships are currently opposing internet shutdown.  

(a) An Overview of the Situation Internet Shutdowns in 2024

Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) documented the internet shutdowns cases that occurred in 2024, based on news and incidents that were reported by independent media outlets, region-specific telegram channels and information from trusted sources within our network.

The Map Showing Townships Affected by Internet Outages within 2024

According to the analysis based on the data that was collected by Myanmar Internet Project (MIP), it was found that over the 130 instances of internet shutdowns, in 2024, happened across 82 townships. Kachin, and Rakhine States experienced complete internet shutdowns across their regions. Chin State except Hakha, capital of the State, also experienced complete internet shutdown in its region.

Townships Affected by Internet Shutdowns in 2024

After the 1027 operation, SAC ceded the number of their territories in northern Shan State, and imposed the internet shutdown in several townships including Kutkai, Mongmit, Kyaukme, Nawnghiko, Lashio, Laukkai, Namtu, Namhsan, Namkham, Manton, and Thipaw. Pinlaung, located in Southern Shan state bordering with Kayinni State has also been experiencing the internet shutdown. In addition, Taunggyi, a city in southern Shan State where clashes with the military council have not yet occurred, is also experiencing frequent internet and mobile connection disruptions. Conflict affected areas, such as Kawlin, Kale, Indaw, Tabayin and Homalin Townships in the Sagaing Region; Gangaw, Saw and Myaing Townships located in the Magway Region; Thabeikkyin, Mogok, Singu, and Pyinoolwin townships in the Mandalay also experienced the internet shutdowns. Myawaddy, Hpapun, and Kyainseikgyi located in Kayin State also suffered the internet shutdown, along with some townships in the Mon and Thanintharyi Regions. Due to the installation of jammers, Pyin Oo Lwin has also experienced mobile and internet connection disruptions. 

According to the media report, SAC imposed not only internet shutdowns but also power outages. In May 2024, amidst intense clashes with the Arakan Army (AA), Thandwe experienced not only disruptions to internet and phone services but also power outages. In June 2024, most townships, located in the northern part of Shan State also had power outages. In June 2024, Mandalay Free Press reported  Singu Township’s power outages in addition to disruptions in internet and mobile access. The inability to refuel mobile towers has also occasionally caused black out to internet and mobile communication services.

We noted that in the Internet shutdown cases that happened within this year, the National Unity Government (NUG) apparently issued a decision to suspend Starlink Internet connectivity, which is widely utilized by the public, for one month in order to prevent military information leaks. In addition, in order to protect against airstrikes by the military regime, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) also shut down internet services (Starlink) in Lashio Township. Lashio continued to experience airstrikes one after the other even after the internet was taken off. Additionally, Shwe Phee Myay News Agency reports that fake news and misinformation about the security situation in Lashio apparently disseminated more extensively as a result of the internet outage. 

(b) Ceded Territories and Internet Shutdown Situation

While analyzing the  94 towns listed by People’s Spring media outlet that were controlled by ethnic arms groups and rebel forces, it was found that all of these towns experienced the internet Shutdown Situations.

Number of Towns Controlled by Resistance Forces, According to Spring Revolution News Media

No	Region/State	Town	Internet Shutdown Situation
1	Kachin	Sumprabum	Starting from July, the whole Kachin State has experienced the internet and mobile shutdown.
2	Kachin	N Jang Yang	Starting from July, the whole Kachin State has experienced the internet and mobile shutdown.
3	Kachin	Dawthponeyan	Starting from July, the whole Kachin State has experienced the internet and mobile shutdown.
4	Kachin	Sadon	Starting from July, the whole Kachin State has experienced the internet and mobile shutdown.
5	Kachin	Loije	Starting from July, the whole Kachin State has experienced the internet and mobile shutdown.
6	Kachin	Monghnyin	Starting from July, the whole Kachin State has experienced the internet and mobile shutdown.
7	Shan (Northern)	Pan Hseng	Pan Hseng has been experiencing an internet shutdown since November of last year
8	Shan (Northern)	Monekoe	Monekoe Town is a sub-township of Muse Township, which is one of the townships experiencing an internet shutdown.
9	Shan (Northern)	Paung Sai	Phaung Sai is also part of Muse Township and has been included among the townships experiencing an internet shutdown since November of last year.
10	Shan (Northern)	Mawhtike	Mawhtike is part of Laukkaing District and including Laukkai, most townships located in Northern Shan State have been experiencing the Internet Shutdown.
11	Shan (Northern)	Konkyan	Knokyan is part of Laukkai District and including Laukkai, most townships located in Northern Shan State have been experiencing the Internet Shutdown.
12	Shan (Northern)	Laukkaing	Laukkaing, located in Northern Shan State, has been experiencing the Internet shutdown.
13	Shan (Northern)	ChinShweHaw	After military operations began with the Kokang army, mobiles and internet connections were cut off in ChinShweHaw, Hopang, and Kunlong areas.
14	Shan (Northern)	Pan Lon	After military operations began with the Kokang army, mobiles and internet connections were cut off in Pan Lon.
15	Shan (Northern)	Kunlong	After military operations began with the Kokang army, mobiles and internet connections were cut off in ChinShweHaw, Hopang, and Kunlong areas.
16	Shan (Northern)	Hsenwi	According to the Shan News report,  Hsenwi has been experiencing an internet and mobile shutdown since July.
17	Shan (Northern)	Tamoenye	Kutkai is a township experiencing an internet shutdown, and Tamoenye is part of Kutkai Township.
18	Shan (Northern)	Lashio	Lashio is also a township experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
19	Shan (Northern)	Namhsan	Internet and mobile shutdowns have been experienced in TLNA-controlled townships: Naungcho, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Namtu, Mogoke, Mongmit, Namhsan, and Manton.
20	Shan (Northern)	​Mongngwat	Manton, Namhsan, Mongmit, Mogoke, Kyaukme, Mongngwat, and Monglon have been experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns since the second round of "Operation 1027."
21	Shan (Northern)	Kyaukme	Kyaukme is also a township experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
22	Shan (Northern)	NaungCho	Internet and mobile shutdowns have been experienced in TLNA-controlled townships: NaungCho, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Namtu, Mogoke, Mongmit, Namhsan, and Manton.
23	Shan (Northern)	Monglon	Monglon is also a township experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
24	Shan (Northern)	Mogoke	Internet and mobile shutdowns have been experienced in TLNA-controlled townships: NaungCho, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Namtu, Mogoke, Mongmit, Namhsan, and Manton.
25	Shan (Northern)	Mongmit	Manton, Namhsan, Mongmit, Mogoke, Kyaukme, Mongngwat, and Monglon have been experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns since the second round of "Operation 1027."
26	Mandalay	Takaung	After fighting the SAC and rebel forces near Takaung town, internet and phone lines were cut off.
27	Mandalay	Thabeikkyin	After the battle began, mobile and internet services were shut down in Thabeikkyin.
28	Shan (Northern)	Manton	Manton, Namhsan, Mongmit, Mogoke, Kyaukme, Mongngwat, and Monglon have been experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns since the second round of "Operation 1027."
29	Shan (Northern)	Mabein	Mabein is also the internet shutdown region.
30	Kachin	Momauk	Since July, the entire Kachin State has been experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
31	Kachin	Mansi	Since July, the entire Kachin State has been experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
32	Shan (Northern)	Namhkan	Namhkan is also a township experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
33	Shan (Northern)	Namtu	Manton, Namhsan, Nautu, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Lashio, Kutkai, and Mongmit towns, located in Northern Shan State, have been experiencing mobile and internet shutdown since July.
34	Shan (Northern)	Kutkai	Manton, Namhsan, Nautu, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Lashio, Kutkai, and Mongmit towns, located in Northern Shan State, have been experiencing mobile and internet shutdown since July.
35	Shan (Northern)	Hopang	Hsenwe, Kunlong, ChinShweHaw and Hopang, located in Northern Shan State, experienced mobile and internet connections shutdown.
36	Mandalay	Singu	Mobile, Internet Collection and power outage disrupted in Singu.
37	Kachin	Sinbo	Since July, the whole of Kachin State has been experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
38	Kachin	Myo Hla	Since July, the whole of Kachin State has been experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
39	Kachin	Maw Luu	Since July, the whole of Kachin State has been experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
40	Sagaing	ShwePyiAye	ShwePyiAye, located in Homalin, was also a town which experienced internet and mobile connection shutdowns.
41	Sagaing	Myothit	Myothit is also a township experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
42	Sagaing	Khampat	Kamphat town also experienced mobile connection disruptions during the period when battles occurred
43	Chin	Chkha	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
44	Chin	Tonzang	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
45	Chin	Rihkhawdar	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
46	Chin	Lailenpi	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
47	Chin	Rezua	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
48	Chin	Matupi	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
49	Chin	Samee	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
50	Chin	Paletwa	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
51	Chin	Mkuimnu	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
52	Chin	Kyindwe	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
53	Rakhine	Taungpyoletwea	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
54	Rakhine	Buthidaung	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
55	Rakhine	Rathedaung	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
56	Rakhine	Ponnagyun	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
57	Rakhine	Pauktaw	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
58	Rakhine	Myebon	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
59	Rakhine	Sane	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
60	Rakhine	Ramree	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
61	Rakhine	ma-ei	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
62	Rakhine	Kantaunggyi	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
63	Rakhine	Minbya	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
64	Rakhine	Mrauk-U	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
65	Rakhine	Kyauktaw	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
66	Rakhine	Thandwe	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
67	Shan (Southern)	Moe Bye	Moe Bye, located in southern Shan State is also a township experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
68	Karenni	Nanmekhon	Nanmekhon is located in Karenni State, and except the area around Loikaw, the entire Karenni State has experienced phone and internet line disruptions. (Loikaw itself has also frequently experienced mobile and internet connection shutdowns.)
69	Karenni	Demoso	Demoso township is located in Karenni State, and except the area around Loikaw, the entire Karenni State has experienced phone and internet line disruptions. (Loikaw itself has also frequently experienced mobile and internet connection shutdowns.)
70	Karenni	Mawchi	Mawchi is located in Karenni State, and except the area around Loikaw, the entire Karenni State has experienced phone and internet line disruptions. (Loikaw itself has also frequently experienced mobile and internet connection shutdowns.)
71	Kayin	Hpapun	After the battle began, mobile and internet services were shut down in Hpapun.
72	Karenni	Mese	Mase is located in Karenni State, and except the area around Loikaw, the entire Karenni State has experienced phone and internet line disruptions. (Loikaw itself has also frequently experienced mobile and internet connection shutdowns.)
73	Karenni	Ywathit	Ywathit is located in Karenni State, and except the area around Loikaw, the entire Karenni State has experienced phone and internet line disruptions. (Loikaw itself has also frequently experienced mobile and internet connection shutdowns.)
74	Karenni	ShaDaw	Shadaw township is located in Karenni State, and except the area around Loikaw, the entire Karenni State has experienced phone and internet line disruptions. (Loikaw itself has also frequently experienced mobile and internet connection shutdowns.)
75	Kayin	Thin Gan Nyi Naung	Thin Gan Nyi Naung, located in Kayin State, is also a township experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
76	Kayin	Sukali	Myawaddy is a township experiencing an internet shutdown, and Sukali is part of Myawaddy Township.
77	Kayin	Kyeikdon	Kyeikdon, located in Kayin State, is also a township experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
78	Chin	Waibula	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
79	Chin	Naryain	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
80	Chin	Sukwar	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
81	Shan (Northern)	Hsipaw	Manton, Namhsan, Nautu, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Lashio, Kutkai, and Mongmit towns, located in Northern Shan State, have been experiencing mobile and internet shutdown since July.
82	Kachin	Chipwi	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
83	Kachin	Tsawlaw	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
84	Kayin	Lay Kay Kaw	Lay Kay Kaw is also a township experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
85	Kachin	Pang War	Since July, the entire Kachin State has been experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
86	Kachin	Phimaw	Since July, the entire Kachin State has been experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
87	Rakhine	Kyeintali	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
88	Kachin	Kan Paik Ti	Since July, the entire Kachin State has been experiencing internet and mobile shutdowns.
89	Rakhine	MaungDaw	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
90	Rakhine	Toungup	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
91	Rakhine	Ann	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.
92	Chin	Kanpetlet	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
93	Chin	Mindat	Except for the capital Hpakant, the entire Chin State has experienced an internet shutdown.
94	Rakhine	Gwa	The entire Rakhine State has experienced internet and mobile shutdowns.

Basic services like banking have been disrupted for residents in places where internet shutdowns have occurred. They have had to convert cash into a percentage fee as a result, which has led to needless losses. Residents in crisis zones face potentially fatal situations due to the information that can't be obtained in a timely manner. Local communities are dealing with rising product prices and detrimental effects on the social, educational, and health sectors as a result of communication blackouts. According to the KeepItOn report released in 2024, it was found that in 2023, Myanmar's internet shutdowns were recorded as the second most frequent in the world. According to the “Freedom On the Net” report released by Freedom House in 2024 October, Myanmar tied with China for the world's worst record on internet freedom.

(c) Stricter Regulations on VPN Usage

The popular social media sites in Myanmar were outlawed by the military regime following the coup in 2021. Due to the result of SAC’s social media ban policy, people used the virtual Private network (VPN) to use the social media platforms that were otherwise inaccessible for free. 

On May 30, 2024, the military regime banned a number of VPN services that were popular among internet users. In consequence, the public had trouble accessing social media platforms like facebook, due to VPN usage was restricted by cutting-edge technologies. The methodology is heavily influenced by the China’s Great Firewall and the provider itself have its base in China, according to Justice for Myanmar’s investigation. Taking advantage of this circumstance, the military regime attempted to replace it with "Myspace," their own social networking site. Reports have emerged that SAC’s VPN ban project was led by 'General Lu Mon' in collaboration with the company "Mascots Technologies & Telecommunication" and Chinese experts. As claimed by the Justice for Myanmar Report, Chinese technology companies corroborated this VPN ban project, which was intended to disrupt internet usage. 

The SAC not only banned VPNs but also had its security forces conduct surprise checks of personal mobile devices on the ground. It was observed that several instances of arrests and cash extortion also transpired when VPN installations were discovered on mobile phones. These incidents occurred in widespread areas of Myanmar including Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Pathein, Pyay, Lashio, and TaungThar. 

Moreover, the military regime banned the use of Signal communication apps starting from July 15, 2024. In addition, the military regime not only carried out noticeable internet shutdowns in areas where they were powerless, but also blocked VPNs in areas under their control to hinder the access to information for the people living there.

(d) Communication Shutdown Effect of Natural Desister 

During a time when the military junta's meddling caused significant internet interruptions, Cyclone Yagi's torrential rains caused massive flooding throughout Myanmar. In certain townships, this circumstance caused internet disruption.

In September 2024, 34 townships across  seven States and Regions including Taung Gyi, Nyaung Shwe, Shwe Naung, Inle, Aung Pan, Kalaw, and Tachileik were affected by flooding as the intensity of Cyclone Yagi. Natural disasters affected about half of the nation's states and regions, making it difficult for people living in areas without mobile and internet communications to obtain information. As a result, they faced delays in rescue efforts, and preparedness for natural disasters was further hampered. According to local residents and regional officials(KNU), rescue activities were delayed because of communication disruptions in parts of Nyaunglebin and Taungoo District. On September 23, 2024, the military regime announced that roughly 1,000 of the 1,500 telecommunications stations that Cyclone Yagi had devastated had been rebuilt.

(e) Communications Disruptions and Aviation risks

It was discovered that because they are unable to obtain timely news of military activities, residents in locations where internet and mobile shutdowns are occurring are more susceptible and at risk of becoming casualties during the war crisis. In the internal conflict, the military junta is employing heavy airstrikes. Nyan Linn Thit Analytica's October 2024 report claims that SAC carried out 820 airstrikes between May and August of that year. According to the study, these bombings caused damage to 16 hospitals, 28 educational institutions, and 61 places of worship.The military council reportedly carried out 176 airstrikes in Rakhine State and 151 in northern Shan State, according to a report. It also stated that the entirety of Rakhine State and most townships in northern Shan State are areas experiencing internet shutdowns imposed by the military council.

When we were exploring the airstrike of SAC, we observed that areas with significant airstrikes and civilian casualties in 2024 were the mobile and internet connections shutdown regions. 

Thawin Chanug Village, Manawthiri Village, LanPanPyar Village, and Ward (1) of PaukTaw Township not only experienced airstrikes by a Y12 plane but also drone bomb attacks on June 11, 2024. As a result of these attacks, ten civilians from these villages were rounded.

A junta airstrike on an elementary school in Daw Si Ei village, eastern Myanmar’s Kayinni (Kayah) state, left four children dead and 15 others injured on February 5, 2024, according to the media report. The entire Kayinni (Kayah) state, except for its capital, Loikaw, is experiencing the internet and mobile connection shutdown. 

At least seven people were killed and around 23 injured when the Air Force attacked a school in Ma Gyi Oke Village, which is 13 kilometers south of Depayin Township in the Sagaing Region, on May 11, 2024. Significant casualties resulted from the targeting of the neighborhood, which was undergoing an internet shutdown, as inhabitants gathered to use Starlink internet.

On June 3, 2024, in Ma Taw Village, Mingin Township, Sagaing Region, the military junta dropped two bombs during a wedding ceremony, resulting in at least 29 deaths. Mingin Township has been under an internet shutdown since 2022, following the military coup.

More than 20 individuals lost their lives in the airstrike that occurred on July 19, 2024, in the Chanug Na Gwa area, Ngapuinn Village, Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State. Since November 2023, a lot of villages in Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State, an area where internet and phone lines have been frequently shutdowns after fighting between the military council and the revolutionary arm forces. 

Unable to conduct ground operations, the military council repeatedly attacked Lashio in northern Shan State with airstrikes after ceding the city to the MNDAA. The military council carried out an airstrike in Lashio on July 25, 2024, which killed three family members and injured three more. The military council continues to enforce the mobile connections and internet in Lashio.

For seven days in a row, the military council's air force carried out bombs and numerous airstrikes in Chaung Gyi Village, Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Region. At least seven people were killed in these attacks, which also destroyed residential dwellings, a school, and a monastery. The military council also enforced a phone and internet ban in Thabeikkyin Township during this time. In Myaung Township, located in Sagaing Region, schools have been closed due to aviation risks of military junta. Internet Shutdowns and air strikes of military junta are negatively affecting the freedom of education that is one of the basic human rights. 

According to the report released by Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) on December 25, due to the military junta’s airstrike, 164 civilians were casualties from October 1 to December 25. 

When the scenarios are examined, it becomes clear that the military council's airstrikes disproportionately impact the areas that are shut down for phone and internet service. Significant civilian casualties have resulted from these circumstances, including mass fatalities brought on by airstrikes.

The Erosion of Freedom of Expression situations 

The freedom of expression for ordinary citizens in Myanmar to openly express their thoughts and beliefs online was eradicated following the coup in 2021. 

The loss of freedom of expression online can be clearly evidenced by analyzing the military council's actions. At least ( 374 ) people who voiced divergent opinions on Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram were taken action within a year, according to announcements from the military council's propaganda Telegram channels: the Ministry of Information (MOI) and Myanmar Newspaper. Additionally, according to a report published in September by Data for Myanmar, 1,691 people have been detained for their thoughts and expressions online since the coup.

On February 1, 2024, the third anniversary of the military takeover, a number of young people in Yangon were jailed for using their cell phones to record the silent strike. In the same vein, at least three people in Mandalay were also arrested for posting about this movement on social media. Business owners were also charged under Section 505 for allegedly trying to destabilise the country, induce economic inflation, devalue the kyat, and undermine public confidence by disseminating information online about employee pay rises brought on by inflation. Dr. Nay Soe Maung, the former son-in-law of previous dictator U Than Shwe, was imprisoned by the military council in October for his frequent social media criticism of Min Aung Hlaing's government. In Techileik, a monk, 27-year-vassa, was arrested under two charges, including Section 505, for his Facebook posts. It was found that military junta arrested individuals for online criticism, including monks, underage students and former government officials.

These occurrences serve as proof of the repression of this fundamental right and indicate the continued erosion of freedom of expression in the wake of the coup.

(a) Monthly Arrests Occurrences for Online Expression in 2024

According to the military council's propaganda Telegram channels: the Ministry of Information (MOI) and Myanmar Newspaper, the military regime surveillance the individual's online usage and imposed detention every month that we found.

The number of arrests made monthly due to online posts or statements.

The military regime is monitoring the online expressions and posts on a monthly basis, and nearly 60 individuals were arrested in August and September 2024. This year, these two months had the highest number of detentions as a result of posts and comments made online. (260) males and (114) females were detained in 2024 as a result of their posts on the internet.

(b) Arrests Impeding Freedom of Expression by Region and States

While observing the occurrences of detentions due to online expression, It was found that the most online users were arrested in Yangon and Mandalay Regions. Yangon Region accounted for 31.28% (117 individuals) of individuals detained for their online expressions, while Mandalay Region accounted for 29.68% (111 individuals).

Graph Showing Arrests by Regions/State Due to Social Media Posts and online expression

A study of arrests of online users by region and state reveals that the highest number of arrests occurred in areas under significant military council control, such as Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions. Within Yangon Region, Dagon Myothit Township, and within Mandalay Region, Chanmyathazi and Pyigyidagun Townships recorded the highest number of arrests.

Graph Showing Arrests by Each Township of Yangon Region Due to Social Media Posts and online expression

Dagon Myothit Township accounted for 16.38%  of all arrests in the Yangon Region.

Graph Showing Arrests by Each Township of Mandalay Region Due to Social Media Posts and online expression

Chanmyathazi and Pyigyidagun Townships  accounted for 12.61% each of all arrests in the Mandalay Region.

While observing the digital repression events of 2024, it was found that people living in SAC-controlled areas are being closely monitored for their online activity, while those in SAC-ceded areas are experiencing extensive internet and mobile shutdowns.

Arrests Made Depending on Various Social Medias

It has been noted that the military council keeps an eye on users of well-known social media sites and takes disproportionate action. Facebook and TikTok were the sites most frequently linked to arrests for online conduct, according to a Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) examination of such detentions.

It was found that 74.87 % of individuals detained were arrested for criticizing the SAC on Facebook, while 24.33% percent were detained for doing so on TikTok.

Observing the detained occurrences due to social media usage, such as Facebook and TikTok, from January 2024 to July, the number of cases related to Facebook usage has significantly more than others. After Pro-military lobby channels promoted the use of the TikTok, arrested numbers due to the TikTok usage increased incredibly in August and September. 

There is strong and convincing evidence that the military regime, which has been severely limiting the public's right to free speech online, is also participating in the dissemination of hate speech. The UN Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) made this revelation.

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