4/4/22, 7:38 PM Myanmar renews plans to curb internet usage with VPN ban - Nikkei Asia Myanmar has banned Facebook -- one of the most popular ways of communicating in the troubled country -- after the military takeover last February, according to a statement by Facebook. Currently, people can still access the social media platform via VPN. "This is just the latest futile battle between the regime and Facebook," said a Yangonbased business analyst familiar with the draft legislation. "Their instruction to internet services to block the social media site converted the country overnight to VPNs." The anonymous source added that this is just another "attempt to criminalize Facebook use." The crackdown by the military regime is meant to keep the public from contributing to the National Unity Government, a pro-democracy group set up by elected and ousted lawmakers. The NUG launched an online contribution campaign -- in the form of a lottery -- last August and said it sold out within an hour, raising over $60,000. If the proposed law goes into effect, the regime risks destroying Myanmar's online public space, with massive implications for business and the economy, industry executives and activists warn. "If they achieve their intended impact, it would reverse Myanmar's modernization and send the country back to the Ne Win era, driving a further wedge between it and the rest of ASEAN," the analyst added, referring to the period when military strongman Ne Win ruled Myanmar as a one-party socialist state. According to the January letter, the regime demands feedback from 13 government ministries, the national business lobby Union of Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), Myanmar Computer Federation, Central Bank of Myanmar, banking and financial services and telecom operators by Jan. 28. Industry bodies and business lobbies will be pressured to speak out. Last year's proposal was quietly shelved in the face of massive opposition from business and public associations. The UMFCCI, Myanmar Computer Federation and over 150 civil society organizations opposed the scheme. All western foreign chambers of commerce in the This is your last free article this month country, with the exception of AustCham Myanmar, also opposed the planned Get to trusted from experts withinwhich Asiaare itself. cybersecurity law. By continuing browse insights this website, you accept cookies used for several reasons such as personalizing content/ads and analyzing how this website is used. Please review our Cookie Policy to learn how you can update your cookie settings. Try 3 months for $9 Accept & Continue https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar-Crisis/Myanmar-renews-plans-to-curb-internet-usage-with-VPN-ban Close 2/3