(for Local Authorities in Liberated Areas)
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Introduction
After the 2021 coup, the rights to information and freedom of expression for Myanmar citizens plummeted, compounded by internet shutdowns and the military regime's surveillance of the digital sphere.
According to data collected by the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP), at least 82 townships experienced internet shutdowns in 2024. By December 2024, the 94 towns captured by revolutionary forces and ethnic armed groups also faced communication disruptions.
Due to the internet and mobile connections shutdowns imposed by military junta, local communities have experienced severely experienced hardships in business, education, and healthcare. Moreover, according to media reports, it was found that in 2024, the National Unity Government (NUG), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and Arakan Army (AA) imposed internet and communication controls and limitations in their controlled areas due to security concerns.
Internet Restrictions by the National Unity Government (NUG) in 2024
According to the Myanmar Press Association’s (MPA) report on October 5, 2024, the 1st Military Region of the National Unity Government’s (NUG) Ministry of Defence issued a directive to suspend the use of Starlink WiFi services used by the public within Gangaw District, starting from October 1, 2024. The report stated that the purpose of this directive was to handle unwanted military information leaks.
There was a directive to temporarily shut down Starlink WiFi services in Kawlin Township, Sagaing Region, regarding commercial internet cafes, also to prevent military intelligence leak. It was later reported that access was relaxed, allowing usage from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
According to a BBC report on September 3, 2024, NUG issued a directive, through its Ministry of Communications, Informations and Technology, requiring internet cafes, providing Starlink or other alternative gateway access to the public commercially, a registration fees of 500,000 MMK and to file an income tax of 10% of the monthly income or 600,000 MMK income tax per month.
The announcement, issued on May 21, 2024, included a directive to comply with the Ministry's guidelines, stating that registration would only be granted after verification and approval.
Statement by NUG regarding Starlink Internet Cafe Regulations
On the Ministry of Communications, Information, and Technology (NUG) website's Introduction page, it was stated: “During this interim period, the flow of information and communication needs to be ensured in the daily lives of people, allowing freedom of the press and information and paving the way for the systematic and sustainable development of the IT sector.”
The Ministry also claimed to have been able to have provided Starlink and other satellite internet gateways, phones, radio devices, handhields, and other communication devices over a three-year period under its portfolio. However, basic technology infrastructure support for public communication has remained lacking.
The collection of registration fees and taxation of up to 10% of the income on internet cafes, which are self-sustained and operated by local residents, can severely impact internet accessibility for ordinary people who are experiencing income instability due to the ongoing conflict. Disruption of communication citing “Military Intelligence leaks” is broadly and generally applied. Instead of this , fixing the fundamental problems with military information leaks can provide more support and create stable communication conditions over the long run.
Internet Restrictions in Lashio
by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in 2024
During the second phase of Operation 1027, a collaborative military offensive led by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, MNDAA restored phone and internet connectivity for MNDAA occupied Lashio. According to a report by RFA Myanmar, the MNDAA disallowed access to Starlink on October 5, 2024, citing ongoing airstrike threats over Lashio city caused by the military junta’s continuous bombings.
Although the MNDAA cut off Starlink internet service, an airstrike involving two highly explosive bombs on residential houses near the Ah Htet Man Aung Buddhist monastery in Lashio on October 6, 2024, caused damage to several homes. On October 14, the military council carried out a bombing attack on the densely populated Einaing village near Lashio, resulting in the deaths of three local civilians and damaging a Christian church. On October 23, at least two bomb attacks took place in Lashio on the same day. Following the further restrictions on internet access to the populace, news reports from Shwe Phee Myay News Agency indicated that misinformation and fake news regarding the security situation in Lashio city spread more widely.
In mitigating airstrike risks, local authorities will have to assess and evaluate whether internet shutdowns truly have a positive impact on regional security. Otherwise, local communities may find themselves more at risk of being unable to timely respond to warnings against military activities and threats, without access to internet connection. People living in war-torn areas are more subject to severe hardships as a result of poor and ill-informed judgments.
Communication Disruptions Events in Mogoke
by Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in 2024
Myanmar’s military launched airstrikes on Mogoke in Mandalay Region on November 11, 2024, marking the first attack by the military since it was seized by the TNLA, with at least 9 casualties. Mogoke suffered widespread casualties as a result of this bombing. After the attack, the TNLA announced the closure of the gem and jewelry market in Mogoke (ထာပွဲ), as well as the temporary suspension of Starlink Internet Services and CDMA Services. Although the TNLA imposed the internet shutdown in an attempt to protect against junta airstrike threats, the junta launched another bombing raid on east Mogok, near the golf course, in Mandalay Region, on January 8, 2025. The attack reportedly involved at least 30 high explosive air to ground munitions.
Following Mogoke's internet and mobile connection restrictions, it was discovered that misleading information circulated on Telegram channels alleging the TNLA was punishing mobile phone users with caning sentences.
As a result of the restrictions on mobile and internet usage, residents are experiencing difficulties with money transfers and economic hardships. In the situation where the internet is blocked, students who rely on online learning are also facing educational challenges.
In addition, Shwe Phee Myay News agency revealed that the TNLA has been seizing devices used by individuals to access Starlink internet and imposing fines on the internet users. According to the news, the cost of an hour of internet connection has been raised from 2,000 MMK to 5,000 MMK as a result of the Starlink internet shutdown and other communication restrictions. Residents of Mogoke are purchasing CDMA SIM cards, which were previously used for communication, and traveling to areas with better connectivity and LOS(line of sight) to make phone calls. According to Shwe Phee Myay News Agency, individuals using CDMA phones for communication are also being arrested and detained by the TNLA.
Observing the above situations, it is apparent that residents are struggling to get communication access amid internet and mobile shutdown orders. The local population is struggling even more to obtain news and information, while facing greater economic and social hardships. In addition, it is evident that the TNLA does not have full control over communication disruptions through such restrictive measures.
Although local authorities are citing security concerns, the social, economic, safety and educational impacts have to be thoroughly accessed and policy adjustments should be considered to help alleviate the challenges of the local populace.
Communication Disruptions and Social Hardships
in Arakan Army (AA)-Controlled Areas Amidst Airstrike Threats
Western news reported that the communication shutdown has also been imposed in Arakan Army (AA), controlled areas in response to airstrike threats. The report states that Rakhine State has faced mobile communication disruptions due to clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and the military troops. The communication shutdown continued even after AA had liberated the affected areas, citing security concerns also by AA.
In the context of communication disruptions, local people are facing unwanted financial expenses and hardships as they have to travel to nearby areas for communication. In Rakhine State, banks can only operate in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung. As a result, residents are facing difficulties with facilities such as, money transfers due to both internet and mobile connections being shut down. In areas with mobile phone connections, the cost of phone calls has risen to as high as 2,000 Kyats per minute. On the evening of January 5, 2025, the military conducted an airstrike in Ponnar Kyun township, Rakhine State - the attack was targeted at a location with good connectivity in Inzonpyin village, resulting in the death of at least 4 personnel.
The incident highlights the widespread phenomenon of local populace being put at life-threatening risk while in their attempt to access communication. U Khine Thu Kha, spokesperson of Arakan Army (AA), has warned that due to the increasing airstrikes by the military junta, people should use phones and the internet cautiously. This warning is a more effective course of action than cutting off public communication networks due to concerns over airstrike risks.
Conclusion
The incidents of mobile and internet connection shutdowns in areas liberated from junta control are clearly different from those imposed by the junta. These disruptions have arisen due to security concerns, particularly the threat of airstrikes.
Nevertheless, as we outlined in each event, when comparing the results of communication disruptions with the social hardships of the locals, it is clear that residents are facing numerous burdens due to the effects of the shutdown. Freedom of Expression and Rights to Information are the basic Human rights. It was found that the limitations of these freedoms are being experienced not only by the people under the junta's control but also by the population in the liberated areas, where different circumstances continue to affect them. Regardless of the circumstances that lead to communication disruptions, the loss of human rights values is equally prevalent.
According to the report that was released by “TOP10VPN” based on the UK, Myanmar’s economic cost of internet shutdowns in 2024 is $1.48 Billion. In regions facing economic hardships due to the effects of the conflict, ongoing communication disruptions can further exacerbate the social suffering of the local population
Areas identified by news outlets where communication was disrupted by revolutionary forces for security reasons have also continued to experience airstrike attacks even after the communication shutdowns, as observed in the study of all affected areas.
The situation that schools cannot be operated because of security concerns, online education has become the primary means for students to continue learning. Long-term communication shutdown can indirectly affect freedom of education, one of the basic human rights.
Given the above circumstances, disruptions in the internet could undermine mutual understanding and trust among revolutionary forces and the public. Therefore, we would like to recommend reassessing the potential benefits and harms of such disruptions and enhancing the public's right to communication.
Recommended Citation Style –
Myanmar Internet Project (2025, February). Deliberation Needed for Internet Restriction Dilemma Against Airstrikes.
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