Tag Archive for: Myanmar

Myanmar: The introduction of a prohibition on the use of virtual private networks

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In brief

The revised draft Cyber Security Law released by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) on 13 January 2022 (“Draft Law 2.0“) appears to impose a broad prohibition on the use of virtual private networks (VPN) in Myanmar unless specific permission is granted by the MOTC. The Draft Law 2.0 does not distinguish the use of VPN between consumers and businesses; any person found guilty of the offense shall be punishable by imprisonment of a minimum of one year to a maximum of three years or a fine not exceeding MMK 5 million (approximately USD 2,500) or both. 

Under the state of emergency, new regulations can be issued by the current administration within a short timeframe without a parliamentary review process. It is important for businesses which are operating in Myanmar to monitor developments in respect of the Draft Law 2.0 and assess how such changes could impact their existing IT practices and operations. Additionally, businesses should also look out for any subsequent release of guidelines that may provide details for the application of permission from the MOTC.

  • The Draft Law 2.0 was circulated by MOTC to certain key businesses including banks and telecommunications service providers, requesting for comments on the revised draft to be provided by 28 January 2022. While many of the provisions are similar to or constitute a refinement over the initial draft circulated back in February 2021, the prohibition on the use of VPN is a new provision.
  • Under the Draft Law 2.0, any person intending to establish, access or connect to a network using VPN or equivalent technology is required to apply for specific permission from the MOTC. The definition of “network” is broadly drafted and covers any telecommunication system connected between any communication / computer devices through the use of cable, wireless or satellite or any other technologies.
  • Upon our informal consultation with the relevant authorities, we understand that the Draft Law 2.0, if and when enacted, may provide a transition period for the parties concerned to comply with the regulations in respect of the use of VPN. We also understand that further guidelines or…

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Scramble for evidence after attack in northwestern Myanmar | Military News

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Thang Biak discovered his house in Myanmar’s northwestern Chin State had burned down from watching the television news in neighbouring India.

He had fled Thantlang, a hilltop town of roughly 8,000 people, with his three sons and other residents on September 14, crossing into Mizoram two weeks later.

“When we fled, we couldn’t bring anything. Now all of our property has been destroyed,” said Thang Biak, for whom Al Jazeera has used a pseudonym due to concerns of military reprisals. “When I learned that my house had burned, I was so depressed that I couldn’t sleep or eat,” he added.

His home was one of more than 160 houses and two church buildings in Thantlang that were burned down on October 29, as the military intensified its operations to root out the civilian armed groups that have emerged across the country since the coup on February 1.

Governments, rights organisations and civil society groups have condemned the military for the destruction in Thantlang and have demanded it be held accountable.

More than 500 organisations, including Human Rights Watch, signed a statement last week calling on the United Nations Security Council to act urgently to “end [the] Myanmar junta’s campaign of terror.”

The United States said the incident “lays bare the regime’s complete disregard for the lives and welfare of the people of Burma,” and said the attacks “underscore the urgent need for the international community to hold the Burmese military accountable”.

But as calls for military accountability grow, those collecting and sharing evidence of what happened in Thantlang face numerous risks and obstacles, including fear of arrest or retaliation and an ongoing internet shutdown. Local sources told Al Jazeera that they have also been unable to identify witnesses because Thantlang’s residents had fled earlier waves of violence in September, and the town has been occupied by soldiers.

“We journalists could not go to document ourselves … We could not get [sufficient] evidence and communication has been cut off,” said Salai Zing, who works for a Chin State-based media outlet and who requested Al Jazeera call him by his nickname.

Three churches were hit in the…

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Myanmar junta limits internet, seizes satellite TV dishes

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2 Myanmar protesters killed by police fire, reports say :: WRAL.com

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MANDALAY, Myanmar — Two anti-coup protesters were shot dead by riot police who fired live rounds Saturday in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, local media reported.

One of the victims was shot in the head and died at the scene, according to Frontier Myanmar, a news and business magazine based in Yangon, the country’s largest city. Another was shot in the chest and died en route to the hospital.

Several other serious injuries were also reported. The shootings occurred near Mandalay’s Yadanabon dock, where tear gas and rubber bullets were used on protesters earlier in the day.

The Irrawaddy news website also confirmed the deaths on social media.

Security forces had been increasing their pressure against anti-coup protesters earlier Saturday, using water cannons, tear gas, slingshots and rubber bullets against demonstrators and striking dock workers in Mandalay.

At least five people were injured by rubber bullets and had to be carried away in ambulances, according to an Associated Press journalist who witnessed the violence.

Some 500 police and soldiers descended on the area near Yadanabon dock after dock workers joined the national civil disobedience movement, refusing to work until the military junta that seized power in a Feb. 1 coup reinstates the democratically elected government.

Protesters and residents were forced to flee the neighborhood amid the violence, as security forces chased after them.

There were reports of sounds that resembled gunfire. A group of journalists was forced to flee after being hit with tear gas and slingshot projectiles.

Earlier in the week in Mandalay, security forces cracked down on state railway workers in a similar fashion after they joined the civil disobedience movement.

Less than an hour after the 8 p.m. curfew started on Wednesday, gunshots were heard as more than two dozen police officers with shields and helmets marched past railway workers’ housing. Numerous videos posted on social media showed muzzle flashes as shots were heard, and some police shot slingshots and threw rocks at the buildings. Marching chants of “left, right, left, right” could be heard along with…

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