Digital struggle and resistance in the Myanmar revolution 10/31/24, 11:36 AM The MIP hosted a panel discussion, titled “Digital Struggle and Resistance in the Myanmar Revolution” at DRAPAC by Myanmar human rights 2024, moderated by Yin Maung from EngageMedia.Statement The organisations on the Myanmar coup distinguished panellists included Bradley, senior analyst at MIP; Stan, EdTech director at Burma Academy, and Gar, a senior analyst at MIP. The event also featured an EngageMedia's Pretty Good Podcast: A introductory speech by Nan Lin, a prominent young conversation with a pro-democracy activist and my friend from Myanmar. activist in Myanmar The daily digital resistance of a youth activist in Myanmar Resist Myanmar’s digital coup: Stop the military consolidating digital The panel’s opening speech, pre-recorded by Lin himself, control provided a reality check with the question, “Have you ever had your devices checked or taken while working, or searched as you were going out?” He highlighted the Joint civil society statement on everyday challenges people in Myanmar face, where there government's orders to Myanmar are no laws protecting their privacy or dignity, leaving block over 200 websites citizens vulnerable to such invasive actions. He emphasised the lack of freedom of expression, explaining that a mere photo on your phone, a text message to a friend, or a social media post could lead to arrest by the military junta. Depending on the circumstances, you might either bribe your way out, or face days or months of interrogation, torture in their camps, and eventually be sent to prison. In some cases, you can be forcibly conscripted into the army. This is how they persecute citizens every single day after the recent coup, he said. He explained how the dictatorship’s oppressive mechanisms are brutal and filthy, even as the resistance forces and public are brave and clever in standing up to them. They are fighting for freedom and justice. The Myanmar Spring Revolution began as a civil resistance movement that later transformed into armed resistance. Lin believes both forms must work together strategically and in harmony. More than three years have passed since the coup, and digital platforms have played a key role in the revolution, with efforts to mobilise and build networks on Facebook, Twitter/X, Zoom, Signal and Telegram to coordinate protests. https://www.apc.org/node/40396 Page 3 of 10