Myanmar Digital Coup Quarterly: February 2025 - April 2025

Digital Repression Incidents Experienced Between February and April 2025

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Under military dictatorship, the people have endured and resisted various forms of oppression for over four years and three months. The military coup took place even before the country could recover from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, plunging Myanmar into a dual crisis that has been widely recognized by the world.

Caught between the ravages of COVID-19 and the brutality of the junta, the public has struggled to survive. However, the unwavering spirit of the youth and the collaboration of ethnic revolutionary forces have turned this suffocating pressure into resistance, as evidenced by many liberated territories.

Amidst this ongoing struggle, nature dealt another blow. On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake struck Sagaing, devastating cities like Mandalay, Sagaing, Innwa, and Pyawbwe, destroying lives, homes, and livelihoods.

Even during this natural disaster, the military junta continued its relentless repression. While communication networks are critical for survival during emergencies, the regime ignored areas where internet and phone lines had been cut. Nationwide, social media access remains restricted, forcing people to rely on VPNs, which further slows connectivity.

Despite earthquake-damaged communication towers and disrupted internet speeds, the regime refused to restore social media access, hindering real-time disaster response and rescue efforts.

This report compiles findings on digital repression from February to April 2025, including communication blackouts in earthquake-affected areas.

Summary of Digital Repression Incidents in February 2025

• Mobile and Internet Shutdowns

• Arrests for Online Speech

• Increased Surveillance

• Media Freedom Crackdown

Mobile and Internet Shutdowns

• Myawaddy-Online fraud-Internet Blackout and Public Suffering

In February 2025, due to online fraud issues, Myanmar’s border towns Myawaddy and Three Pagodas Pass faced electricity and internet cuts from Thailand. The Chinese government pressured Thailand to maintain these restrictions as part of a crackdown on scam operations. Thailand also intensified blockages on Thai SIM cards, including AIS SIMs in Kyaikhto and Three Pagodas Pass from February 21.

Although online scams began in Myawaddy in the late 2010s, Justice for Myanmar reports that the industry expanded rapidly after the February 1, 2021, coup. Due to clashes between the junta and Karen revolutionary forces, all local telecom services were cut in April 2024, forcing reliance on Thai SIMs. While targeting scam syndicates, Thailand’s shutdowns severely impacted civilians.

• Prolonged Internet Blackouts and Civilian Hardships

Since the coup, the junta has imposed various internet restrictions, including long-term social media bans and communication blackouts in conflict zones. These prolonged shutdowns have become chronic, exacerbating public suffering.

Rakhine State: Internet and phone lines have been cut for over a year since clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and the military, disrupting humanitarian aid.

Monyin Township (Indawgyi): Over a year without internet. Students forced to use Starlink (costing 150,000 MMK/month) face financial barriers to online education.

Sagaing Region: Parts of upper Sagaing, including Monywa, Salingyi, Ayadaw, Yinmabin, Mingin, and Dipayin, have faced three and a half years of internet blackouts, according to Athan.

• Escalating Communication Blackouts

The junta has intensified internet and phone cuts in conflict zones:

Kachin State (Bhamo): During intense clashes in Bhamo, Kachin State, mobile and internet services have been cut off, making it difficult for displaced individuals to communicate with one another. The report also highlights that children are facing challenges continuing their education due to the displacement situation.

Sagaing Region (Homalin Township, Namtaw Town): The Voice of Shan Ni reported that MPT mobile lines have been cut again, making online money transfers more difficult. Similarly, after fighting erupted in Minkin area, Sagaing Region, phone and internet lines were also disrupted.

Tanintharyi Region: In conflict-affected areas like Htone Makha (ထုံမခါ) and Thabaw-Lake (သဘောလိပ်) villages in Tanintharyi Township, mobile networks have been cut off. Additionally, phone and internet blackouts in coastal villages in Launglon Township, Dawei District, have lasted for about two months, according to Tanintharyi Region news sources.

Bago Region (Paukkaung Township): Internet services have been shut down around conflict zones in Paukkaung Township, and the junta has restricted entry and exit into the town, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA) Burmese.

In February 2025, communication blackouts were experienced in seven areas across six townships: Banmaw Township in Kachin State; Homalin, Namtaw, and Min Kun (Sagaing Townships) in Sagaing Region; Paukkhaung Township in Bago Region; and Launglon and Tanintharyi Townships in Tanintharyi Region, specifically in Htone Makha and Thaboleik (သဘောလိပ်) villages.

According to a February 2025 report by Access Now, Myanmar had the highest number of internet shutdowns globally in 2024, with a total of 85 instances.

Arrests Over Online Speech

The military junta has not only imposed communication blackouts but has also escalated arrests over online speech. In one case, a Rakhine woman was arrested in Yangon after criticizing the bombing of Kyauk Ni Maw village (Ramree Township, Rakhine State) on social media. At least 21 people have been arrested this month for online expressions.

Junta Surveillance Over the Public

Beyond blackouts and arrests, the junta continues expanding its surveillance capabilities.

During February 2025, it was revealed that the junta is even monitoring its own government staff under suspicion. In Kyaukphyu, Rakhine State, the military junta detained and interrogated several government employees under its control due to mistrust. During the interrogation, they examined phone call records and financial transaction histories, including money transfers and withdrawals.

The Central Bank under the junta is also preparing to control all monetary transactions through a newly established Myanmar QR (MMQR) digital payment system.

Additionally, the junta has been drafting a national AI strategy, supposedly to include ethics, standards, and guidelines. However, given the junta’s history, it is feared that the strategy will serve as yet another tool to suppress and tightly control users under the guise of regulation.

Media Freedom

Since the coup, the junta has cracked down heavily on the media—shutting down outlets, imprisoning journalists, and enacting laws to suppress press freedom.

One such law is the Cybersecurity Law, officially enacted on January 1, which the Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) warned on February 1 has significantly harmed media freedom. “This law doesn’t just threaten journalists who report with text, photos, or videos—it also creates a blackout for the public who rely on digital platforms for news. It is essentially a law that darkens the public’s access to information nationwide.,” said Nan Paw Gay (နန်းဖော့ဂေ), Chairperson of the Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM). “This can be described as an act that suppresses nationwide access to information.”

According to Myanmar Now, three political prisoners, including a journalist from the outlet who exposed human rights violations inside Insein Prison in Yangon, are facing torture and abuse within the prison.

Summary of Digital Repression Incidents in March 2025

• Mobile and internet shutdowns

• Arrests for Online Speech

• Increased Surveillance

Mobile and Internet Shutdowns

In March 2025, mobile and internet shutdowns by the junta continued. It was observed that communications were cut before military operations were conducted. As clashes with resistance forces intensified and the military frontlines expanded, the junta increased the frequency and intensity of telecommunication blackouts in affected regions.

Clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta troops extended beyond the Rakhine border into areas bordering Rakhine and Ayeyarwady. Following the arrival of fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta forces in Laymyethnar Township of the Ayeyarwady Region, phone lines in the area were cut off.

In Yesagyo Township of Magway Region, the junta cut off both mobile and internet connections. According to Khit Thit Media, military columns launched offensives in the Yelekyun (ရေလယ်ကျွန်း) area of Yesagyo in early March.

In Hakha, the capital of Chin State, both phone and internet services were shut down as the junta appeared to be preparing military operations. Out of the nine townships in Chin State, eight had already experienced communication blackouts before. This pattern was not limited to Chin State — townships like Gangaw, Tilin, Kyaukhtu, and Saw in the Yaw region of Magway Region also experienced network disruptions alongside increased military activity.

In Bago Region, the military blocked the transportation of food supplies at the Teepinkyo (တည်ပင်ကျိုး) checkpoint on the western edge of Pyay Township along the Pyay-Kamma (ပြည်-ကံမ) road. Residents reported slow or completely unavailable phone services. The blockade extended to cargo trucks and even vehicles arriving to refuel MPT (Myanmar Post and Telecommunications) network towers.

In southern Ye Township of Mon State, most villages had phone services only during the daytime, with all lines cut at night. In Tanintharyi Region, phone lines from Atom were cut in Chaung Nyi Ko and Yarmpho villages within Tanintharyi Township, where military checks were tightened. Locals believe this heightened security was in preparation for the upcoming opening of the Min Than-Maung Hlaw (မင်းသန်း-မောင်းလှော်) Bridge in Myeik Township.

In March 2025, communication blackouts were experienced in ten townships across various regions, including Lemyethna Township in Ayeyarwady Region; Yesagyo Township in Magway Region; Haka Township in Chin State; Gangaw, Tilin, Kyaukhtu, and Saw Townships in Magway Region; Pyay Township in Bago Region; Ye Township in Mon State; and Tanintharyi Township in Tanintharyi Region.

The junta has consistently carried out these communication blackouts while accusing revolutionary forces of relaying information about airstrikes. This led to increased restrictions on internet access in the affected areas.

In a specific example, in Myingyan Township of Magway Region, local authorities ordered the temporary closure of Starlink internet service providers on March 3, claiming it was to prevent the spread of intelligence related to airstrikes, according to reports by MPA news agency.

Arrests for Online Speech

Throughout its rule since the coup, the junta has arrested and prosecuted anyone who criticized them. A prominent pro-junta figure, Ngamin Hswe, was sentenced to three years in prison for criticizing coup leader Min Aung Hlaing.

Following a strong earthquake on March 28, pro-junta Telegram channels encouraged the arrest of those who criticized the military’s disaster response and search-and-rescue efforts on social media.

At least 16 individuals were arrested in March 2025 for their posts and expressions on social media. Since the military coup over four years ago, a total of 1,884 individuals have been arrested for social media activity, according to the organization Data for Myanmar.

Increased Surveillance

Since the coup, one of the main surveillance efforts by the junta has been monitoring financial transactions. In the past month, the MMQR system was implemented, aiming to centralize records of online financial transfers in one unified system.

In March 2025, KBZ Bank—known for frequently freezing accounts without clear justification—announced that KBZ Pay accounts could no longer be used with foreign phone numbers. Throughout the post-coup period, the junta has pressured for mandatory phone number registrations.

By cross-referencing personal data collected during bank account registration with that of SIM card registrations, the council is now believed to have an easier way to trace online financial transactions.

In addition, Thanlwin Times reported that in Mawlamyine, Mon State, arrests were made based on information derived from the National Database system.

Summary of Digital Repression Incidents in April 2025

• Mobile and Internet Shutdowns

• Arrests for Online Speech

• Expansion of Surveillance Measures

• Media Freedom Crackdown

  
  

Mobile and Internet Shutdowns

In April 2025, mobile phone and internet disruptions occurred due to both direct actions by the junta and other events such as the strong earthquake centered in the Sagaing Region on March 28, which also led to communication outages.

• Internet and Phone Line Disruptions Due to Junta Actions

According to BNI news agency, electricity and phone services were cut off in Hakha, Chin State. Chin State has previously been largely disconnected from communication services except for the capital, Hakha.

Neighboring Kale Township in Sagaing Region also experienced phone line outages. News reports cited locals saying military aircraft activity often coincides with such outages. The Kale area was experiencing intense conflict between the military and resistance forces. From April 11, the military cut off phone and fiber internet lines in Kale, with Mizzima News reported fiber internet was restored in the afternoon of April 15. In Kani Township, Sagaing Region, aerial bombings occurred and phone lines were also cut.

In Pakokku Township, Magway Region, military incursions took place alongside phone and internet service outages. In eastern Tilin Township, Magway Region, air strike attacks were reported and phone lines were cut off, according to Spring News.

Villages in Lemyethna Township, Ayeyarwady Region, also experienced phone line outages following airstrikes. Similarly, villages in southern Shan State’s Ywangan Township faced phone line cuts during military operations.

In Minthar village tract of Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, clashes led to disruptions in phone and internet services. Additionally, in Lashio town—where the military junta has regained control with Chinese government support—telecommunications remain severely unstable.

These situations indicate that the military is not only increasingly cutting off internet services but also targeting phone lines. It is also clear that communication blackouts often coincide with airstrikes or military operations.

• Struggles of Communication in Isolated Communities

In areas under communication blackouts, people continue to struggle to stay connected and informed.

In the town of Payathonzu, where internet and phone lines have been cut off, residents are struggling to maintain connectivity by self-installing Starlink devices. Meanwhile, in some liberated areas of Rakhine State, civilians have resorted to using walkie-talkies due to the complete shutdown of telecommunications.

Despite the difficulty in obtaining Starlink internet devices, people are resorting to makeshift installations to use them, while others have turned to limited-range walkie-talkies for basic communication. These desperate measures starkly illuminate the severe hardships and daily struggles faced by communities living in areas subjected to communication blackouts.

• Communication Challenges Worsened by Natural Disasters

According to data collected by the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP), the strong earthquake centered near Sagaing on March 28 disrupted phone services across the country, including in Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Sagaing, Pyin Oo Lwin, Kyaukse, Kyaikto, and Taunggyi.

According to the junta’s own announcements, over 6,730 mobile communication towers were damaged by the quake, and 95 automatic exchange points of Myanmar Post and Telecommunications (MPT) were reported as out of service.

Disruption of communication lines during natural disasters severely affected emergency rescue operations. In Htantabin township, Bago region, difficulties with phone and internet connections caused challenges in requesting help for emergency rescue efforts after the earthquake, as reported by Ayeyawady News Agency. Similarly, due to phone, internet, and electricity outages, search and rescue operations in Sagaing City faced delays, with BNI News also reported that no progress was made in the rescue efforts.

Even a week after the earthquake, phone and internet lines in Mandalay city remained down, with only a few WiFi connections available. Although the junta announced that over 800 damaged mobile communication towers still needed repair, more than ten days after the earthquake, roads remained impassable, and electricity, phone, and internet services were still not fully restored in the affected areas, including Naypyidaw, Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Bago Region, and Shan State, according to the Irrawaddy News Agency. Two weeks after the quake, Sagaing still lacked stable phone and internet access.

These conditions highlight the vulnerability and damage to essential communication infrastructure during natural disasters. Since Myanmar is located in a disaster-prone zone susceptible to earthquakes and other natural hazards, telecommunications providers must study these current weaknesses and update their infrastructure designs to make them more resilient to such threats.

Due to the natural disaster caused by the earthquake, the public has lost their homes and properties, facing life-threatening situations. Despite this, restrictions on communication networks have not been lifted, and there has been no action taken to restore communication lines in areas where phone and internet services have been cut off. While Starlink has stated in its X (formerly Twitter) post that it has prepared Starlink kits to support communication needs and rescue operations in Myanmar and neighboring countries affected by the earthquake, no efforts have been made to grant permission for public use. Even though more than 100 organizations, both local and international, have called for the restoration of communication lines during the most devastating period of the earthquake in Myanmar, the military junta has remained silent and has not responded.

Reliable communication is critically important for emergency response systems, especially during unpredictable natural disasters. DVB News also reported that in Myitkyina, the rising Irrawaddy River levels could not be timely communicated to the public due to internet connectivity issues.

In areas with internet shutdowns, people’s ability to respond to natural disasters is severely limited, to the point where it could endanger lives.

Arrests for Online Speech

This month, the junta arrested a total of eight individuals for online speech and criticism. Among those arrested were three men from Bago Region, one man from Sagaing Region, one woman from Mandalay Region, one woman from Magway Region, and two women from Karen State. Breaking it down by social media platform, five of the arrests were made through Facebook, while three were through TikTok.

Increased Surveillance

Since seizing power, the military junta has employed various methods to surveil the public. Following the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, news emerged this month that the junta had established an “AI-powered Legal Knowledge Dissemination Supervisory Committee” on March 21st. After the coup, the junta attempted to tighten control over the public through a combination of legal amendments and advanced technologies. Given these events, the newly established committee is expected to increase pressure on the public, and it is necessary to monitor how this will unfold. Justice For Myanmar also demanded an investigation into the company that sold the MOBILedit Forensic Pro, used by the junta for surveillance purposes.

In the aftermath of the coup, the junta pressured citizens to register SIM cards using various methods. However, it has notably failed to prevent the recent phenomenon of domestic phone users receiving daily, consecutive gambling game links sent via local phone numbers.

Media Freedom Crackdown

On the 28th of last month, after a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 in magnitude struck with its epicenter in the Sagaing Region, the junta denied requests from foreign news agencies to enter the country to report on the situation. Major General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the junta, stated that the denial was due to accommodation difficulties. The fact that journalists are not even allowed to freely report on natural disasters highlights the dire state of press freedom in Myanmar. In response to the situation, the Independent Press Council of Myanmar (IPCM) and civil society organizations jointly called for unrestricted access to earthquake-affected areas for media coverage. However, there has been no notable response to their appeal. This month, it was also reported that the junta sentenced Than Htike Myint, a journalist from Myaelatt Athan news agency, to five years in prison under the Counter-Terrorism Law. During the communication blackout following the earthquake, BBC Burmese extended its evening news program by 30 minutes to support the flow of information. Similarly, DVB (Democratic Voice of Burma) launched a special earthquake radio broadcast, airing once in the morning and once in the evening.

On March 28, following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake centered near Sagaing, difficulties in making phone calls were reported nationwide, including in Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Sagaing, Myingyan, Kyaikto, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Taunggyi.

On March 29, Starlink posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account that it had prepared Starlink kits to support communication needs and rescue operations for Myanmar and Thailand, both affected by the earthquake.

On March 31, over 100 organizations from Myanmar and abroad jointly called for the restoration of communication lines, which remained cut off during the country’s most severe earthquake experience.

Recommended Citation Style –

Myanmar Internet Project (2025, May). Myanmar Digital Coup Quarterly: February 2025 - April 2025. https://www.myanmarinternet.info/post/quarterly_feb_apr_2025-1

EngageMedia is publishing English translations of the Myanmar Digital Coup Quarterly produced by the Myanmar Internet Project. This post covers updates between February 2025 to April 2025 and highlights digital oppression incidents documented during that period. Read the original post in Burmese here, and learn more about EngageMedia’s broader work to support digital rights in Myanmar on EngageMedia.org/Myanmar.

Read the other editions of the report.