Myanmar's Internet Freedom Declines to China-Like Levels Amidst Tightening Control

Rapid Deterioration of Internet Freedoms

Internet freedom has deteriorated significantly over the past years, with Vietnam being significantly impacted by governmental restrictions. Following a coup in Myanmar, the local military junta has introduced substantive measures that stifle freedom of speech. According to a report released by Freedom House, Myanmar now stands alongside China, scoring a mere 9 out of 100 on the internet freedom index.

Crackdown on Online Dissent

Since the coup in 2021, Myanmar’s military has implemented measures akin to China’s notorious Great Firewall. This includes internet shutdowns and the deployment of mass censorship technology to restrict the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), crucial for circumventing governmental controls. Human rights groups have termed these actions as a move towards a digital dictatorship, where accessing information is vital for safety amid escalating humanitarian crises.

Impact on Civil Liberties

• The report suggests that 80% of individuals live in regions where they could be jailed for expressing their political opinions.
• Increasing arrests and distressing violence reported against users demonstrates a concerning trend in global internet governance.
• Countries like Thailand and Kyrgyzstan also showed severe declines, with harsh penalties for social media expressions.

Global Context

In contrast, Iceland continues to be lauded for its relatively free internet environment. The disparity between nations stresses a pressing need for global democracy and the safeguarding of digital rights.

Urgent Need for Awareness and Action

The findings underscore the urgent requirement for awareness regarding internet liberties and advocacy for free expression. With nations like Myanmar and China at the forefront of censorship and surveillance, safeguarding civil rights online remains an essential duty for global citizens.