1/3/22, 11:28 AM Myanmar’s internet suppression Evading Restrictions Despite the junta’s efforts, people in Myanmar have found ways to bypass many of these restrictions. Virtual private networks, or VPNs, create a private tunnel between a device and the internet. Any information – such as what websites someone is browsing or what files are being uploaded – is encrypted by the VPN and becomes unreadable to others along the information path. That means internet service providers can’t tell if you are trying to visit a blocked website and will likely let the information through. Demand for VPNs has skyrocketed since the coup. However, some Myanmar residents have told Reuters that they found some of the VPNs they used were subsequently blocked. Rising Google searches for VPN in Myanmar https://graphics.reuters.com/MYANMAR-POLITICS/INTERNET-RESTRICTION/rlgpdbreepo/ 27/31