Myanmar's Cybersecurity Law
- Tech Brief
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
Myanmar's military government has enacted a new cybersecurity law, effective January 1, 2025, significantly expanding its control over internet usage and information dissemination.
Nation Thailand
Key Provisions of the Law:
VPN Restrictions: The law targets the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which are commonly employed to bypass internet censorship. Unauthorized establishment or provision of VPN services can result in imprisonment ranging from one to six months and fines between 1 million to 10 million kyats ($476 to $4,760).
Content Regulation: Digital platform service providers are mandated to prevent and remove content deemed as "disinformation" or "rumors" that could incite hate, disrupt unity, or threaten stability. Non-compliance may lead to warnings, fines, suspensions, or blacklisting.
Data Retention: Service providers are required to retain user data for up to three years and must disclose this information to authorities upon request.
Online Gambling: The law criminalizes the operation of unauthorized online gambling systems, with penalties including imprisonment and substantial fines.
Implications and Criticism:
Analysts and human rights advocates express concern that the cybersecurity law will suppress freedom of expression and further restrict access to information. The legislation is viewed as a tool for the junta to tighten its grip on digital communications amid ongoing civil unrest and resistance movements.
VOA News
The enactment of this law follows previous efforts by the military government to control internet usage, including blocking access to social media platforms and conducting random searches for VPN applications on individuals' devices.
Associated Press
The international community continues to monitor the situation, with concerns that such measures may lead to increased censorship and human rights violations in Myanmar.
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