Stop Digital Dictatorship in Myanmar! #SaveMyanmar

Today, the Tatmadaw has ordered internet providers to block access to Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Whatsapp! With more than 26 million Facebook users in Myanmar, people using it as their main way of communication, the goal of the military is to shutdown all possible communication of Myanmar people with the outside world! This happened only TWO DAYS after they ordered the internet shutdown during the coup d'etat on 1 February 2021!

BUT even before these incidents, internet freedom in Myanmar had declined dramatically for the past few years. The military and ruling party have been manipulating online content and creating an environment of fear: journalists, demonstrators, and ordinary people criticizing the government risk legal charges and detention under a wide range of laws, including the repressive Telecommunications Law.

Now more than ever, we need to push back and resist! We need to stand with the people of Myanmar to show that we will not let dictatorship take over the digital space! that we will fight for our freedom and rights!

Manushya Foundation and regional partners call on the Tatmadaw to restore access to essential online apps messaging and respect Myanmar’s people freedom of expression. We also call on the government of Myanmar to stop criminalizing legitimate forms of online expression and media freedom, preventing access to independent information, and forcing self-censorship. We urge the government to protect and promote online freedom, media freedom online privacy and access to Information, according to the international human rights obligations of the country.

How can you be a part of this campaign to #StopDigitalDictatorship in Southeast Asia?

1. Follow us on our social media to get more updates and information!

2. Follow and use the hashtag #StopDigitalDictatorship to keep up with our campaign and update on digital rights issues!

Learn more about our campaign to #StopDigitalDictatorship here!