Introduction 1.Introduction Since the liberalisation of the telecommunication sector in 2013, Myanmar’s military junta have been uncomfortable with any critical comments expressed on social media platforms. Using a range of legal instruments—such as the Penal Code, Telecommunications Law, Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens and Electronic Transactions Law— the Myanmar government and the military junta have sought to temper online criticisms. Utilising a mixture of tactics such as internet shutdowns, the throttling of internet speeds, online harassment, information operations, privacy violations and infrastructure destruction to dismantle online dissent and mobilisation. This report takes a deeper look at the state of internet freedoms in Myanmar with a view to distilling areas for improvement in their laws, policies and adherence to international standards. Dashboard of Internet Violations Internet Shutdowns Throttling Internet Speeds Internet connections The speed of the internet were blocked on a daily connection was lowered and nightly basis. to impact the flow of information. Online Harassment Information Operations Privacy Violations Infrastructure Destruction Netizens were subject to a constant campaign of online harassment. Propaganda campaigns were run using fake accounts. Legal privacy protections were removed to track and spy on people. Internet Infrastructure were destroyed in selected neighbourhoods. 1a. Methodology Desk research for the first draft of the baseline study was conducted between February 2021 and March 2021, and encompassed a review of selected UN documents from 2010 to 2021. This included a review of reports submitted for three cycles of Myanmar’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the annual reports of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar and Voluntary National Reports (VNR) under the reporting process of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The review also analysed national legislations invoked to justify suspension or disruption to the exercise of freedom of expression both online and offline. It draws on relevant reports of international organisations, think-tanks, government agencies and media reports in order to identify gaps in human rights and challenges to the realisation of internet freedoms in the country. Several research interviews1 were also undertaken post-coup with Myanmar nationals within the country, as well as members of the international diaspora to learn details on how the protests were responding and adapting to the internet shutdowns in the country. Asia Centre also convened and participated in several online discussions such as the Southeast Asia People-to-People Region Hall of the Political Crisis in Myanmar and the SEAFORB Steering Committee,2 where relevant input was taken on board for the report. On the 11 March 2021, Asia Centre organised a webinar “Law and Lawlessness: Myanmar Coup and Human Rights” to discuss the Myanmar military coup in February. 01 1 During the coup, interviews were conducted with in-country informants who provided primary information on internet shutdowns, destruction of internet infrastructure and strategies adopted. Due to concerns over their safety they are not identified in this baseline study. 2 SEAFORB refers to Southeast Asia Freedom of Religion or Belief, a regional forum on this issue.