No one can deny the critical role of digital technology nowadays. The Internet has become an essential tool in people’s daily lives worldwide as technology continues to advance. If used properly, these digital technologies can benefit not only politics and security but also the economy, social welfare, education, and healthcare. Authoritarian rulers around the world exploited the usage of the Internet to impose repressive laws, surveillance and restrict internet freedom, which has impacted the safety and lives of people. Improper use of technology for security and political purposes can be defined as the “the dark side of digital technology.”
“The Rise of Digital Repression”, authored by Steven Feldstein, explains that authoritarian regimes controlled the digital liberty of the people in five strategies.”
i. Surveillance
ii. Censorship
iiii. Social Manipulation and Disinformation
iv. Internet Shutdowns
v. Targeted persecutions of online users.
Digital rights violations in Myanmar occurred during the civilian administration run by the National League for Democracy, and it deteriorated after the military coup in 2021. The military regime systematically violated digital liberty by imposing internet shutdowns, reducing internet speed, banning social media platforms, drafting repressive cybersecurity laws, shutting down independent media organizations, and imprisoning journalists and political activists.
According to the “Freedom on the Net” report, published by Freedom House, internet freedom in Myanmar has deteriorated gradually from 2020 to 2025, while China was ranked first, followed by Myanmar. A gradually developing relationship between the Chinese government and the Myanmar military caused a dangerous situation for the activists and revolutionary organizations in Myanmar. Based on the studies, the Myanmar junta controlled telecom operators and cut off phone and internet connections nationwide at will. Moreover, they received technical help from China on internet shutdown and monitoring the digital activities of people. On top of the communication shutdown, the Myanmar military targeted the civilian population by committing atrocities such as burning towns and villages, indiscriminate mass offensive attacks using heavy artillery and airstrikes.