Digital rights activists are sounding the alarm over Myanmar’s newly enforced Cybersecurity Law, warning that its vague language and sweeping restrictions, including on VPN use, pose serious risks to internet users across the country.
The military junta enacted the law on January 1, 2025, and officially brought it into force on July 30. However, experts argue that the law appears designed more to entrench the junta’s control over information and power than to genuinely protect digital safety.
“The law uses broad and ambiguous terms, without clearly defining offenses or penalties,” said Ko Thit Nyan, media lead at the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP). “It’s not written with the public interest in mind, it’s a tool to suppress and control, not to protect.”
Under the new law, individuals found operating online gambling systems, establishing VPN services, or providing VPN access without official permission may face jail terms of one to six months and fines ranging from 10 lakh to 100 lakh kyats.
Social media users have expressed concern that the law will not only slow the flow of accurate information but also disrupt the daily lives and economic activities of people both inside and outside the country.
MIP also pointed out that the junta’s assertion that the law helps maintain stability, especially coming seven months after its enactment, coincides with recent moves to push forward with military-backed elections. Multiple laws related to elections have been rolled out in recent days, while political parties ramp up campaigning on the ground.
“They’re clearly preparing to control the narrative and block resistance in anticipation of the elections,” Ko Thit Nyan explained. “It’s all about maintaining power and shaping the situation to their liking.”
Human rights groups are calling for coordinated efforts from both resistance forces and civil society organizations to push back against the law and protect citizens’ rights to access truthful information and express themselves freely.
Prior to the formal announcement of the law, the junta had already imposed heavy restrictions on internet access. According to MIP, Myanmar experienced over 130 instances of internet blackouts nationwide in 2024 alone.
On the ground, military inspection checkpoints across the country—including in Mon State—are reportedly searching civilians’ mobile phones and arresting individuals based on the content found.
Since the military coup in 2021, freedom of speech has dramatically declined. According to Data for Myanmar, between February 2021 and October 2024, at least 1,840 people, including 657 women, were arrested for online criticism of the junta.
