ONLY IN MYANMAR – Made by Junta Consequences of the Telecommunication Blackouts
1. Introduction
No one can deny the critical role of digital technology nowadays. The Internet has become an essential tool in people’s daily lives worldwide as technology continues to advance. If used properly, these digital technologies can benefit not only politics and security but also the economy, social welfare, education, and healthcare. Authoritarian rulers around the world exploited the usage of the Internet to impose repressive laws, surveillance and restrict internet freedom, which has impacted the safety and lives of people. Improper use of technology for security and political purposes can be defined as the “the dark side of digital technology.”
“The Rise of Digital Repression”, authored by Steven Feldstein, explains that authoritarian regimes controlled the digital liberty of the people in five strategies.”
i. Surveillance
ii. Censorship
iiii. Social Manipulation and Disinformation
iv. Internet Shutdowns
v. Targeted persecutions of online users.
Digital rights violations in Myanmar occurred during the civilian administration run by the National League for Democracy, and it deteriorated after the military coup in 2021. The military regime systematically violated digital liberty by imposing internet shutdowns, reducing internet speed, banning social media platforms, drafting repressive cybersecurity laws, shutting down independent media organizations, and imprisoning journalists and political activists.
According to the “Freedom on the Net” report, published by Freedom House, internet freedom in Myanmar has deteriorated gradually from 2020 to 2025, while China was ranked first, followed by Myanmar. A gradually developing relationship between the Chinese government and the Myanmar military caused a dangerous situation for the activists and revolutionary organizations in Myanmar. Based on the studies, the Myanmar junta controlled telecom operators and cut off phone and internet connections nationwide at will. Moreover, they received technical help from China on internet shutdown and monitoring the digital activities of people. On top of the communication shutdown, the Myanmar military targeted the civilian population by committing atrocities such as burning towns and villages, indiscriminate mass offensive attacks using heavy artillery and airstrikes.
The restriction of digital liberty has affected people’s daily lives across social life, the economy, education, and healthcare. It has disrupted the flow of information, leading to preventable loss of lives and property during natural disasters such as the Sagaing Earthquake in March 2025, the flood in August 2024, and Cyclone Mocha in May 2023.
Amid the ongoing national crisis, the communication blackout has further intensified the spread of propaganda and misinformation generated by the junta, which is gradually increasing. Although the military regime lost control over several territories in the country due to escalating resistance attacks, it continues to organize an illegitimate election that lacks the people’s will, in an effort to prolong its power and gain international recognition.
This concise research paper examines how the Myanmar military restricts citizens’ digital rights through its attempt to stage an authoritarian-controlled election, and the rise of propaganda and human rights violations as the election approaches.
2. Current Situation of Communication Shutdowns in Myanmar
The communication shutdown imposed by the Myanmar military can be categorized into three types: (a) nationwide shutdowns, (b) regional shutdowns, and (c) periodic shutdowns. In some areas, the shutdown occurred due to natural disasters rather than the regime’s deliberate action. Those disasters primarily destroyed communication infrastructure, damaged telecom towers, and caused power cuts, leaving residents struggling to access phone and internet services.
Our findings indicate that the military has employed a “Great Firewall” in towns where internet access remains, blocking virtual private networks (VPNs), software, malware, and websites – resulting in severe digital restrictions. In these areas, Psiphon is the only accessible VPN, while most other free VPN services remain blocked.
Since January 2025, an increasing number of townships in Myanmar have lost connectivity. By April 2025, the military regime had cut off communication in 138 townships. Additionally, the Sagaing Earthquake in March 2025 further disrupted connectivity in some of those affected areas.
As of September 2025, approximately 131 townships across Myanmar were experiencing a communication blackout. Among them, the following townships have remained cut off for more than four years: Ayadaw, Gangaw, Kanbalu, Kani, Kawlin, Mingin, Myaung, Pale, Pinlebu, Salingyi, Wun Tho, and Ye-U in the Sagaing Region; Falam, Kanpetlet, Matupi, Mindat, Paletwa, Tedim, Thantlang, and Tonzang in Chin State; and Gangaw and Htilin in the Magway Region.
Townships that have endured blackouts for over three years include Demoso, Loikaw, Bawlakhe, Hpasaung, and Mese in Karenni State; Hakha in Chin State; and Chaung-U, Kalewa, Lahe, Leshi, Paungbyin, Khin-U, and Sagaing in the Sagaing Region. Meanwhile, Wetlet, Monywa, Depayin, Homalin, and Minbu in the Sagaing Region, and Hpruso in Karenni State, have been disconnected for more than two years. Townships that have faced over a year of blackout include Theinni, Muse, Kyaukme, Kutkai, Namhkam, Namtu, Pinlaung, and Hsi Hseng in Shan State; Bhamo, Chipwi, Hpakant, Injanyang, Kawnglangphu, Machanbaw, Mansi, Mogaung, Momauk, Myitkyina, Nogmung, Putao, Shwegu, Sumprabum, Tanai, Tsawlaw, and Waingmaw in Kachin State; Banmauk, Indaw, and Htigyaing in the Sagaing Region; Yay in Mon State; Mogok in Mandalay Region; and Shadaw in Karenni State.