Status of Freedom of Expression in Myanmar (March 2026)
During March 2026, it was observed that restrictive measures and control over telephone and internet communication lines in Myanmar continued to escalate. In particular, surveillance and controls in the telecommunications sector have increased, and communication line cut-offs continue to be implemented in areas where fighting is intense. According to data collected by Athan, as of the end of March 2026, 133 townships have had telephone and internet lines cut off.
Communication Restrictions and Controls
During March, it was observed that control over the telecommunications sector was increased by requiring the registration of mobile phones and SIM cards through the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) system. The CEIR registration system registers, verifies, and controls mobile devices in a database using each device’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number for use on telecom networks. When a mobile phone connects to the network, the IMEI number can be checked against the CEIR database to allow or block network access.
When this system is combined with SIM card registration and other user data, it becomes a digital surveillance infrastructure capable of monitoring and controlling citizens’ communication activities. While CEIR systems are used in some Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Indonesia, their primary goals are to control the mobile phone black market, collect taxes, and track phones for security purposes. However, for Myanmar, it is likely to be more about digital surveillance than tax revenue or crime prevention. By linking SIM cards and IMEIs, there is an attempt to precisely track mobile phone network users, the types of phones they use, and their locations. At the same time, telephone and internet line cut-offs continue in areas of intense fighting and conflict, significantly impacting citizens’ access to information and secure communication. For example, during March, telephone and internet communications were cut off in some villages in Thayetchaung Township, Tanintharyi Region, and airstrikes continued.
Communication Restrictions by Local Armed Revolutionary Organizations
During March, it was also observed that some local armed revolutionary organizations in control of regional administration implemented certain communication restrictions and controls under the pretext of security.
In Rakhine State, where telephone and internet lines have been cut off by the terrorist military council, the Arakan Army (AA) announced that those wishing to use private Starlink internet terminals must pay taxes and register. It is stated that a total of 300,000 MMK, consisting of a 200,000 MMK one-year registration fee and a 100,000 MMK three-month tax, must be paid in advance. It was also found that the AA technical department announced it would confiscate Starlink terminals that are not registered or for which taxes have not been paid.
Similarly, in some villages in Thayetchaung Township, Tanintharyi Region, the Karen National Union (KNU) issued a statement on March 6 regarding inevitable communication restrictions due to security conditions. It stated that these restrictions were implemented for the safety of local residents as the military council had cut off communication lines and was conducting continuous airstrikes.
Such communication restrictions demonstrate that various actors, including the terrorist military council and local armed revolutionary organizations, are attempting to control the telecommunications sector. It is observed that consequences regarding citizens’ access to information and their right to freedom of expression persist.