Myanmar’s Digital Crackdown is Worsening: The World is Stepping Back | TechPolicy.Press from such a devastating natural disaster has collided with a 7/24/25, 12:16 PM RELATED deepening authoritarian playbook, compounding the su!ering of civilians already reeling from years of conflict and repression. Communications blackouts, surveillance systems, biometric ID schemes, and social media manipulation are becoming more entrenched than ever before. This escalation is taking place against a backdrop of shifting global alliances and shrinking civic space. For years, countries such as Thailand and the United States have o!ered relative safety and support to exiled Myanmar activists, independent media, and civil society. However, that environment is rapidly changing. In Thailand, new SIM ID rules, financial restrictions, Fourth Year Under Myanmar Military’s Digital Iron Curtain: A Reflection on Digital Repression and the Path Forward MARCH 4, 2025 Why 2024 Was The Worst Year for Internet Shutdowns FEBRUARY 24, 2025 and targeted raids have disrupted cross-border operations and threatened the work of exiled communities. PERSPECTIVE Meanwhile, in the United States — once a reliable pillar of The US Just Logged O! from Internet Freedom bipartisan support for Myanmar — recent policy shifts have JULY 16, 2025 introduced new uncertainty. Funding cuts have already a!ected key Myanmar-related programs. The Trump administration’s PERSPECTIVE decision to impose tari!s on Myanmar, coupled with the departure from past practice. Previously, the US government had Lessons from Resisting Big Tech Power in Southeast Asia avoided direct contact with the junta, and both Democratic and JUNE 19, 2025 inclusion of Myanmar in the latest US travel ban, signals a sharp Republican lawmakers actively supported the Burma Caucus. Today, asylum seekers from Myanmar face tightening immigration pathways, and the once-possible route to long-term The Looming Threat of the Global developments have left Myanmar’s diaspora in limbo and Disinformation Battle— A Perspective from Taiwan weakened the international support systems that once amplified FEBRUARY 7, 2025 protection through green cards is increasingly out of reach. These their resistance. Communications collapse The March earthquake struck hardest in central Myanmar, with TOPICS https://www.techpolicy.press/myanmars-digital-crackdown-is-worsening-the-world-is-stepping-back/ Page 2 of 7