EngageMedia is publishing English translations of the Myanmar Digital Coup Quarterly produced by the Myanmar Internet Project. This post covers updates between May 2024 to July 2024 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.
Digital oppression issues from August 2024 to October 2024
The coup, which began on February 1, 2021, will reach its fourth anniversary in a few months. The younger generation has been struggling to revive democracy since the coup. Their efforts to restore democracy have increasingly shifted toward armed struggle, as they see no alternative after the regime responded to peaceful protests with violence. Significant changes include the regime losing control over territories in Northern Shan State, Kachin State, Rakhine State, Karenni State, Chin State, and even parts of central Myanmar. The regime is increasingly cutting off internet access and bombing the territories it has lost.
In a desperate attempt to conceal its significant losses, the junta is intensifying surveillance and digital oppression during this three-month period. Their aim is to stop the flow of truthful information to the public, cover up their war crimes in these regions, and disrupt communications among revolutionary forces online, while also trying to suppress public dissent against the regime on social media.
This article describes the phenomenon of digital repression and the related incidents that occurred between August 2024 to October 2024.
Summary of digital oppression issues in August 2024
- Shutting down mobile and internet connections
- Arrests limiting freedom of expression
- Attempts to enforce surveillance and monitoring of citizens
- Media freedom
Shutting down mobile and internet connections
Frequent shutdowns of mobile and internet connections by the regime during the coup aimed to deprive the people of access to information, suppress news from within the country, disrupt communication among pro-democracy movements, and gain a military upper hand in heavily contested conflict zones. These shutdowns are still ongoing as of August 2024. While the regime keeps cutting off mobile and internet connections, ethnic armed organizations are trying to establish internet access in the areas they control.
According to Shwe Phee Myay News Agency, mobile and internet connections were shut down in Kyaukme City, where TNLA and allied forces control the area. Shan Than Taw Sint News also reported that the regime conducted airstrikes over Kyaukme City without any ongoing clashes, resulting in one local death and two injuries. Hsipaw City, in Northern Shan State, has encountered mobile connection problems after clashes broke out within the city. The TNLA stated that there were 14 civilian deaths and 42 civilian injuries inside Hsipaw City due to the regime’s airstrikes from August 1st to August 19th.
Locals from Lashio City, Northern Shan State, have to travel 12 miles to access a mobile connection, incurring unnecessary travel expenses and time. Mobile and internet connection shutdowns are also occurring in most of Northern Shan State, including the Mantong, Namtu, Kutkai, Namhsan, Mongmit, and Lashio regions. One hour of internet access costs up to 5,000 kyats in these townships.
The attempts to establish internet connections for locals by ethnic armed organizations in Northern Shan State were observed in August. The UWSA public relations office, based in Lashio City, also offered locals free satellite internet access in their office. MNDAA is also managing Starlink internet for Lashio City residents, allowing them to use it on a rotating basis each quarter.
Indaw Township, Sagaing Region, where internet access has been cut off, has now also lost mobile connectivity due to heavy clashes between junta troops and the People’s Defence Forces. More than 20,000 residents have had to flee the city because of airstrikes. Tabayin City, Sagaing Region, was also cut off from mobile connections after heavy clashes occurred between junta troops and revolutionary forces. The regime conducted numerous airstrikes over Tabayin. On May 11, 2024, an airstrike on the Magyioke Village school, located 13 miles south of Tabayin, resulted in at least 7 deaths and 23 injuries. Mobile and Wi-Fi internet connections are cut off in Homalin City, Sagaing Region, which must rely on IP Star and Starlink internet.
In Kachin State, locals from Monghnyin and Hpakant City are facing internet outages and struggling to travel to townships with IP Star or Starlink access. Each person is allowed only 1 hour of internet per day due to the high demand. One hour of internet costs around 30,000 kyats in Hpakant City.
Ye City, Mon State, has been experiencing frequent mobile and internet shutdowns since July, leaving villages out of contact with each other. Some villages in the south and north of Ye City are cut off from mobile connections whenever clashes occur between junta troops and revolutionary forces. A local reported that each shutdown usually lasts about 5 days, according to the Independent Mon News Agency.
The Karenni region is facing cash insufficiency due to internet shutdowns, resulting in high cash-out costs. It costs 4% to cash out in Loikaw City, while it can cost up to 20% in Dimawso, Hpruso, Hpasawng, and Bawlakhe cities, causing locals unnecessary financial losses. Kyeintali City in Gwa Township, Southern Rakhine State, has been cut off from mobile and internet connections after heavy clashes broke out between junta troops and the Arakan Army (AA).
Looking at the above situations, it is clear that the regime tends to cut off mobile and internet connections in conflict areas and is committing airstrikes in those regions, resulting in civilian casualties. Selfish businessmen from the UNFCCI have asked the regime to allow them to set up VPN service providers after the regime increased the blocking of more VPNs to prevent people from using social media.
Arrests limiting freedom of expression
Surveillance and arrests for expressing opinions on social media are ongoing, in addition to mobile and internet cutoffs. Regime soldiers and police arrested Miss Nander, also known as MiWal, from Myanaung City, No. (5) Quarter, for criticizing the regime on social media. According to pro-regime Telegram channels, including the Ministry of Information (MOI) and Myanmar Newspapers, at least 57 individuals were arrested in August 2024 for expressing their opinions online, 19 of whom were female. During the month, regime lobbyists have increasingly used TikTok for propaganda and have ramped up surveillance on the TikTok platform.
Among the arrests, 24 individuals were linked to TikTok accounts, indicating that August saw an increased number of arrests from TikTok compared to other months.
Attempts to enforce surveillance and monitoring of citizens
The regime has not only been making arrests for expressing opinions on social media but also trying to monitor and survey people’s activities in any way possible. This month, the regime’s central bank charged 93 individuals for illegal digital currency exchange, foreign currency manipulation, and hundi. Due to the regime’s fixed exchange rates, which are far from the real market value, the foreign currency exchange market has been completely ruined.
The Ministry of Commerce also announced that any online shop or service operating without a license would be subject to legal action. The regime issued a letter threatening that 12 export companies must pay 17.42 million USD in export income within two weeks.
The regime has limited the permission to go abroad for those who came back from abroad and those who try to go abroad with new Visit Passport (VP). Under the regime, citizens even lose the freedom of travel.
Moreover, the regime is planning to do a national census starting on September 30 at midnight.
Media Freedom
The regime imposed severe oppression on the media and reporters after the coup. DVB CJ reporter Win Htut Oo (aka Fizal) and freelance reporter Htet Myat Thu were killed by regime troops’ gunfire in Kyaikto City. The Myeik City court martial sentenced two reporters from Dawei Watch News: reporter Myo Myint Oo to life in prison and reporter Aung San Oo to 20 years. The Independent Press Council of Myanmar (IPCM) condemned the regime for sentencing the two reporters, one to life imprisonment and the other to 20 years. The Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA) stated that reporters are facing a variety of oppression and threats.
While the regime is using every means to oppress the media and reporters, the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Independent Press Council of Myanmar (IPCM) met in a KNU-controlled region and jointly stated “cooperation in media policy in KNU-controlled regions.”
Summary of digital oppression issues in September 2024
- Shutting down mobile and internet connections
- Arrests limiting freedom of expression
- Attempts to enforce surveillance and monitoring of citizens
Shutting down mobile and internet connections
The regime that oppressed people’s communication maintained mobile and internet shutdowns in September 2024.
Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Region, experienced mobile and internet shutdowns along with airstrikes, resulting in civilian deaths. An airstrike on Zayat Kwin Village in Thabeikkyin Township caused three civilian deaths and two injuries.
The regime also cut off mobile and internet connections in Munaung Island, Rakhine State, in September. Narinjara News reported that the regime blocked all access to and from Munaung Island in late August before the clashes began, which disrupted trade and caused a shortage of medical supplies. After severe clashes broke out between junta troops and the Arakan Army (AA), almost all of Rakhine State has been experiencing mobile and internet difficulties. These shutdowns prevented access to information about Typhoon Yagi, which severely damaged the economy and livelihoods. Ayarwaddy Times News reported that rescue efforts and supplies were unable to reach Minbya Township, Rakhine State, due to the mobile and internet shutdowns.
During the month, 34 townships in seven states and regions, including Taunggyi, Nyaungshwe, Shwenyaung, Inle, Aungpan, Kalaw, and Tachileik, were flooded due to the effects of Typhoon Yagi. While half of the country faced flooding, regions where mobile and internet were cut off faced additional difficulties in preparing for the natural disaster and delays in rescue operations due to the lack of information. Local authorities in Nyaunglebin and Taungoo Districts stated that rescue efforts were delayed because of communication cutoffs. On September 23, the regime claimed to have repaired 1,000 out of 1,500 communication centers that were destroyed by Typhoon Yagi.
It has been more than two months since mobile and internet shutdowns were imposed in Kyaukme City, Northern Shan State, and all townships in Chin State, except Hakha City, were cut off from mobile and internet connections. During these shutdowns, the regime conducted airstrikes on Kyaukme City. On the midnight of August 27, the regime bombed No. (2) High School in Tilin Quarter, Kyaukme City.
No. (2) High School, Kyaukme City, on the morning of August 28, 2024, after the bombing. (Photo – RFA)
The Mindat Local People’s Defense Force stated on September 29th that the regime bombed Mindat City, Chin State, 44 times and burned down 36 houses during August and September, all while the region was under mobile and internet shutdown. According to reports, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed deep concern, stating that on September 5th and 6th, at least 10 children were killed in five airstrikes across Shan State, Chin State, and Magway Region.
Lashio City, which was under an internet shutdown, regained mobile and internet connections on September 7th but was cut off again on September 13th. The regime has been frequently bombing Lashio City after it was fully seized by the MNDAA on August 3rd.
Photo – Lashio City rebuilding / Caption – After the bombing of Mannar Village, No. 12 Quarter, Lashio City, on September 30th.
DVB News reported on September 28th that the regime conducted airstrikes nine times over the course of one month on Lashio City and nearby villages, resulting in civilian deaths.
There have been ongoing clashes in the villages of Ye Township, where mobile and internet services have been cut off. Severe clashes are also breaking out in Chipwi City, Kachin State, between regime troops and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
Myitkyina City, the capital of Kachin State, is now among the cities cut off from mobile and internet connections. Some locals have started using IP Star and Starlink on their own. The regime has also been inspecting shops and hotels for IP Star and Starlink connections, making arrests in the process.
In Mogoke City, which is under an internet shutdown, the TNLA has managed to use Starlink for free internet access, while the Mogoke Administrative Council is allowing private Starlink contracts to restore internet access. In Kachin State, the use of Starlink has increased, and internet costs have decreased to some extent.
Arrests limiting freedom of expression
According to Data for Myanmar’s report on September 16th, 1,691 people have been arrested for posting on social media about opposing the regime and advocating for democracy. Four locals from Paungde City, in western Bago Region, were arrested for posting a photo of a major from the regime’s army singing at a flood relief charity event. Pro-regime Telegram channels, such as the Ministry of Information (MOI) and Myanmar Newspaper, reported that there were 85 arrests for expressing opinions on social media, consisting of 45 males and 13 females. Among them, 28 people were arrested from Facebook and 28 from TikTok. There were only two arrests from Telegram and Viber.
Among the 58 people arrested in September, 21 were from Mandalay Region, making it the region with the highest number of arrests. The second most arrests occurred in Yangon Region, with 14 arrests, followed by Bago Region with 11 arrests. Pyigyidagun Township in Mandalay Region had the highest number of arrests, with 8 people detained in one month.
Attempts to enforce surveillance and monitoring of citizens
KBZ Bank closed down some KBZpay accounts that were used to donate money for flood relief, with accusations of money laundering. This is evidence that the regime is closely monitoring people’s money transfers. To do so effectively, the regime has been forcing the use of digital currency via mobile phones instead of cash.
Summary of digital oppression issues in October 2024
- Shutting down mobile and internet connections
- Arrests limiting freedom of expression
- Attempts to enforce surveillance and monitoring of citizen
Shutting down mobile and internet connections
The regime shut off mobile and internet services across all of Rakhine State, where they are fighting the Arakan Army (AA) throughout the region. Rakhine State is also facing airstrikes. On October 10th, eight civilians were killed as a result of a bombing on Kyauktaw City by the regime. The mobile and internet shutdowns have led to the cessation of money transfers, and locals are facing increasing challenges. In response to the news blackout caused by the shutdowns, Rakhine reporters have come together and published a news journal called ARAKKADESH.
It has been over two months of mobile and internet shutdowns across all of Kachin State, where the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is fighting the regime. In addition to the mobile and internet cutoffs, there has also been an electricity shortage, and locals have been relying on radios for information. The regime has seized Starlink Wi-Fi devices that were being used by locals for private use.
This month, mobile and internet shutdowns also occurred in Pyin Oo Lwin City, where many junta army bases are located. Pyin Oo Lwin City experienced five days of mobile and internet shutdown when Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited to select the cadets’ first duty stations. MPT mobile and internet connections were cut off in Myeik District, except in Kyunsu and Mawdaung Cities. BNI Media reported that MPT services were cut off in Myeik, Tanintharyi, and Palaw Cities starting on October 15th.
It has been over five months of mobile and internet shutdowns in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region, where clashes are ongoing. Locals in Pinlaung City, Shan State, are struggling with daily life due to the mobile and internet shutdown.
Locals in Lashio City are relying on Starlink internet to bypass the regime’s mobile and internet shutdowns. The regime has been continuously bombing Lashio City since it lost control of the area to the MNDAA. In Northern Shan State, in Lashio City, 14 airstrikes occurred between September and October 4th, resulting in 8 civilian deaths and 55 injuries. The MNDAA cut off communication in Lashio City, citing threats from regime airstrikes. Nevertheless, the regime continues to bomb Lashio City. Shwe Phee Myay News Agency reported that fake news about the security situation in Lashio has been spreading more following the internet restrictions. To prevent military information leaks, the NUG issued a statement to shut down Starlink internet for one month.
There is evidence showing that regime troops are also using Starlink due to the near-total nationwide internet shutdown. During severe clashes in the seizure of Pinlebu City, revolutionary forces confiscated supplies dropped by a junta helicopter to the Pinlebu Police Station and found a Starlink device among the supplies.
According to Freedom House’s annual Freedom on the Net report, Myanmar and China were listed together as the countries with the most violations of internet freedom. The report gave Myanmar a score of 9 out of 100 for internet freedom, a decline of 1 point compared to last year.
Arrests limiting freedom of expression
The Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM) stated that the regime is unlawfully rearresting political prisoners who have already served their sentences and are being released from prison. PPNM emphasized that these arrests violate an individual’s freedom to travel and express opinions and represent a severe violation of human rights.
Dr. Nay Soe Maung, the son-in-law of former dictator Than Shwe, was arrested at the Pyigyitagon Myoma Police Station, according to a report on October 24th. Dr. Nay Soe Maung has been outspoken in his criticism of the new dictator Min Aung Hlaing’s regime. This incident highlights the regime’s readiness to oppress anyone who dares to criticize them.
Dr. Nay Soe Maung wearing a “We Free” t-shirt on Facebook while paying respects after the funeral of the former Chief Minister of Mandalay Region during the NLD government era
According to pro-regime Telegram channels, the Ministry of Information (MOI), and Myanmar Newspapers, there were 28 arrests in October for expressing opinions on social media: 22 arrests from Facebook and 6 arrests from TikTok.
Attempts to enforce surveillance and monitoring of citizens
As the regime severely oppresses the flow of information to the people, they are also attempting every possible method to collect data on the population for mass surveillance.
As an excuse for the election, the regime conducted a national census from October 1st to October 15th. The regime ordered that at least one person from each family who could answer the census questions must remain at home during the census period and threatened legal action for non-compliance. The regime also pressured and threatened teachers to volunteer for the census.
The regime announced that Visitor Passport (PV) holders are prohibited from leaving the country for foreign work. Young people are now more strictly controlled and monitored to prevent them from going abroad following the introduction of the conscription law. In Mandalay City, junta troops inspected and searched the bikes and mobile phones of people returning from the funeral of Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, the former Chief Minister of Mandalay Region during the NLD government era. Su Myat Htet, a Rakhine-Myanmar singer and owner of an Arakanese clothing shop, was arrested at her home by the regime, with no reason declared. Shine Htet Aung (aka Vee Htet Kumar) was arrested for allegedly threatening the country’s stability by criticizing a Myanmar film on social media.