Joint statement: Myanmar must lift internet restrictions following
devastating earthquake
We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, strongly condemn the Myanmar military for
continuing to impose communication blackouts, including internet shutdowns, following Myanmar’s worst earthquake in history. We call for restrictions on internet services, including social media platforms and news media websites, to be immediately lifted.
On March 28, 2025, Myanmar experienced a magnitude 7.7 earthquake, the strongest ever recorded in the country’s history, impacting at least 67 townships. The epicenter was in Sagaing city, near Mandalay, the central part of the country. The most affected areas include Sagaing, Mandalay, and the country’s capital, Naypyitaw. The death toll has risen to more than 2,000 as of March 31 and continues to climb.
However, despite this dire situation and the urgent need for emergency rescue efforts to save those trapped under the rubble, as of this announcement — more than 48 hours after the earthquake — the Myanmar military has still not lifted its internet shutdown orders and various internet restrictions, which are essential for coordinating live-saving emergency responses.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms the Myanmar military’s ongoing crackdown on communication services following such a devastating disaster, showing a blatant disregard for the threat imposed on civilian lives. We demand the immediate and unconditional restoration of internet and communications services to ensure full access, as well as the lifting of any restrictions on people’s rights to information. We call on the military to be held accountable for all loss of life and suffering caused by these various internet restrictions.
Since they took power four years ago, the junta has proved itself to be one of the world’s worst abusers of digital repressions. Based on the data collected by Myanmar digital rights groups, the military’s internet shutdowns orders have impacted over 100 townships, representing almost a third of the country, including the areas most severely affected by the recent earthquake. In addition, the “firewall” system installed by the junta in 2024 continues to block access to all major social media, news sites and other public information sources, even restricting the use of VPNs. This forces people to search for open VPNs, even in this dire moment. Combined with power outages and damage to telecommunications infrastructure caused by the earthquake, people in Myanmar are facing unprecedented communications disruptions. Moreover, the various restrictions imposed on people’s access to information since 2021, including revoking newspapers licenses, blocking many news websites, arresting and killing journalists, are now obstructing real-time information on the earthquake’s impact, delaying rescue efforts and
contributing to preventable deaths.
We condemn the military and its actions in the strongest possible terms, and demand the
following from Military Chief Min Aung Hlaing and his forces:
- Restore internet access immediately across the country: Cutting off connectivity in
the wake of a humanitarian crisis is a deliberate act of harm. All remaining internet
shutdowns must be lifted now. - Lift all internet censorship measures: including the “firewall” systems on internet gateways, which force people to rely on VPNs that slow down already limited bandwidth, disturbing rescue efforts where every second counts.
- End all restrictions on media and media freedom: Immediately lift any restrictions on journalists and stop disrupting their work via measures such as threats and arrests.
- Stop all military oppression immediately and unconditionally: including forced conscription, arbitrary arrests, executions, threats, and airstrikes. These actions have hindered emergency relief efforts and caused the loss of more lives.
- The military council must take full accountability for imposing internet shutdowns and restricting public access to information during the earthquake: These actions not only disrupted the flow of critical information but also led to preventable deaths by hindering timely rescue efforts. The loss of lives and widespread suffering caused by these deliberate restrictions are solely the responsibility of the military council.
We call on the international community, governments, UN agencies, humanitarian
organizations, and tech companies to
- Pressure the junta to lift any ongoing internet shutdowns and internet restrictions
so that people can seek urgent help and communicate with the outside world. - Pressure the junta to end restrictions on public access to information and media freedom as per international access to information and media protocols.
- Support emergency connectivity solutions to bypass internet shutdowns through
local groups and ensure that affected communities can communicate. - Ensure that emergency aid, including support with emergency communication, does not
fall into military hands to be misused and abused as a tool for oppression.
Restore internet access now — before countless more people perish needlessly.
Contact:
Htaike Htaike Aung (Myanmar Internet Project) – htaike@myanmarinternet.info
Wai Phyo Myint (Access Now) – waiphyo@accessnow.org
Eupoke (Athan) – eupoke@athanmm.org