Myanmar, entangled in a civil war since a military coup in February 2021, now joins China at the bottom of global internet freedom rankings in an annual report assessing internet access, content restrictions, and violations of user rights across 72 countries.

The Freedom House report, representing approximately 87% of global internet users, reveals how Myanmar’s military has escalated online censorship and surveillance. Since taking power from the democratically elected government, the junta has suppressed dissent by imprisoning thousands for online expression and blocking virtual private networks (VPNs), preventing users from bypassing censorship.

According to the Freedom on the Net report, released in mid-October 2024, the junta has increasingly turned to digital repression, while civil resistance groups have gained territory and momentum. Myanmar’s internal conflict has disrupted trade with China, strained infrastructure projects, and seen the junta's military dominance challenged by armed opposition.

Efforts by China to mediate peace have been unsuccessful, and resistance groups, backed by the exiled National Unity Government (NUG), rejected the junta’s recent peace proposal in September. The NUG criticized the regime’s internet restrictions and vowed to establish an independent network in liberated areas.

The report also highlights the drastic change in Myanmar’s internet freedom since 2014 when it was rated “partly free” due to media reforms. Now, the nation’s internet access and reliability have plummeted under military control.

Worldwide, Freedom House reported the 14th consecutive year of declining internet freedom as governments worldwide imposed restrictions on websites, social media, and connectivity ahead of elections.

BOB Post