According to technology experts, the Election Commission has further tightened restrictions on domestic social media access to prevent online interference during the ongoing preparations for the upcoming elections.
Social media users in the country have reported difficulties connecting to certain websites and software through VPNs, which they normally use to access platforms. Additionally, some social media platforms that previously did not require VPNs now need them for access.
A technology expert explained that the Election Commission is closely monitoring social media use and online communications to prevent any coordinated interference or disruptions by opposing parties.
“They want the elections to proceed smoothly, so they are strictly monitoring these activities. There have been arrests. We can see that they are taking steps to tighten control over social media platforms. The Election Protection Law is being used; if someone tries to incite disruption, the commission says they will arrest them and monitor online activity,” the expert said.
Users are also advised to remain vigilant about their digital security, as authorities have been checking residents’ personal information on social media using doxing techniques. Doxing is a process of searching for and publishing private or identifying information about a particular individual on the internet, typically with malicious intent.
Deputy Chief of the Election Commission and Minister of Home Affairs, Lieutenant General Tun Tun Naung, stated on December 4th that anyone using online media to incite violence, spread propaganda, or threaten election security would be investigated and dealt with.
One online seller reported difficulties accessing social media: “VPNs are not working properly. We have to keep switching from one to another. Sometimes we can connect, sometimes not. Before, I sold only on Facebook, but now I also use TikTok due to access issues. Even TikTok, which didn’t require VPNs before, now needs one, and it’s inconvenient.”
In addition, residents in conflict-affected areas along the Mon State and Tanintharyi border regions have limited access to phone and internet services—sometimes only for a few hours per day—making communication difficult for civilians and displaced persons.
Since the military takeover, freedom of expression has been tightly restricted through phone line cuts, reduced internet speed, and limited social media access, alongside ongoing arrests and enforcement by the Election Commission.
