6, but connectivity was mostly restored by Feb. A second nationwide shutdown was ordered on Feb. Although social media bans have remained in place, protesters have found ways to co-ordinate through encrypted messaging services and virtual private networks, known as VPNs.Īs mass protests continue, the military is responding with further internet shutdowns and social media restrictions. 1, millions of people in Myanmar have participated in civil disobedience campaigns and protests on the streets and online. Telenor Myanmar (part of Norway’s Telenor Group) restricted Facebook, while Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications restricted Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. 3, the military ordered a social media ban, primarily focused on Facebook. Once the military seized power, connection was restored.Ĭitizens turned to Facebook, the main source of news and communication for 50 per cent of the population, to protest the coup and demand a return to democracy. A partial internet shutdown was initially observed, shielding coup efforts. Instead of a consistent network shutdown, internet shutdowns and social media bans have come in waves over the past two weeks in Myanmar. As access to the internet was severely restricted, the military successfully executed their coup, detaining key political leaders and NLD supporters.
Connectivity levels declined 50 per cent by 8 a.m. The move was similar to actions taken by the military in neighbouring Thailand during its 2014 coup, which focused on information control and blocked more than 56 URLs.įollowing orders to both state-run and foreign internet providers, the initial shutdown in Myanmar began around 3 a.m. 31, 2021, the Ministry of Transportation and Communication - controlled by the military - ordered a nationwide internet shutdown to prevent citizens from reporting on the military coup. Lasting almost a year, the regional shutdown raised serious concerns that many citizens had been left in the dark about the global COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2019, the Myanmar civilian government initiated the world’s longest internet shutdown at the behest of the military, citing issues of instability and the use of internet services to co-ordinate illegal activities in Rakhine and Chin states. In 2007, the military junta escalated their information warfare tactics and ordered a national internet shutdown to maintain complete control. Myanmar has become a frequent user of internet shutdowns. Recent shutdowns have occurred in India, Egypt, Ethiopia, Belarus and other countries. Since 2019, more than 36 countries have used internet shutdowns for a variety of reasons. Internet shutdowns are a common tool of repression used by governments to halt the flow of web-based communication and information. (AP Photo)įollowing fraught discussions with the civilian government this month about the election, the military specifically cited provisions in the constitution to justify the coup and declare a state of emergency.
Security forces in Myanmar have intensified their crackdown against anti-coup protesters. Soldiers stand next to a military truck in Yangon, Myanmar on Feb.