02 An ecosystem of digital repression Since February 2021, the military junta has created what we call an “ecosystem” of digital repression to suppress online dissent, particularly targeting HRDs, WHRDs and other prodemocracy activists. This ecosystem is sustained through three interconnected pillars: • The use of existing laws, subsequent amendments and new enactments to legitimise authoritarian actions: Initiated shortly after the coup, the junta’s repressive strategy has steadily tightened its grip by amending laws and enacting new ones to legally justify its actions. • The implementation of internet shutdowns and censorship based on this legal framework: Leveraging this legal framework, it has imposed numerous internet shutdowns, including blocking social media platforms, through the compliance of telecommunications and internet service providers. • The expansion of surveillance capabilities: A crucial part of the repressive ecosystem is the widespread collection of the citizens’ personal data through multiple mechanisms including the forced collection of biometric information and mandatory mobile SIM card re-registration. Even before the coup, the Myanmar military had acquired surveillance tools and technology capable of retrieving historical data from devices, tracking signals and gathering social media intelligence from platforms. Since 2021, they have extended their surveillance capabilities to include web and network traffic monitoring, as well as profiling network behaviour.5 The junta also resorts to ground and financial surveillance to control activists and the public in general. 5 Al Jazeera. (2023, 15 January). Israel’s Cognyte won Myanmar spyware tender before coup. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera. com/news/2023/1/15/israels-cognyte-won-myanmar-spyware-tender-before-coup 8