The Myanmar Ministry of Transport and Communications, which is currently under the leadership of the country’s military, has enacted a new law that would give the authorities more control over internet communications, and allow it to intercept domestic internet connections.
If this law is passed and implemented by the government, Myanmar residents who are caught using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) without permission can face jail sentences of up to three years and penalties of up to 5 million Kyat ($2,800). According to the sources, the legislation would also outlaw internet information that is critical of the military rule.
The proposed law is a reworked version of a measure that was postponed last year due to objections from industry, technology, and civil society organizations. Authorities have said that the new restrictions will become effective in the very near future and can already be enforced at the will of the government.
The law also prohibits the use of digital money, an offense punishable by jail time of six months to a year and a fine of 5 million Kyat, the same amount as the VPN use fine.
Many digital and human rights campaigners are concerned that a VPN ban would harm pro-democracy groups, and they have pointed out that the new measure is solely beneficial to the Military Junta.
After last year’s coup, the Junta prohibited social media platforms, but it was claimed that news organizations, people, and even government officials continued to use VPNs to access restricted websites. However, the military is determined to block such access in order to establish greater control
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