5/22/22, 5:59 PM How Facebook’s Rise Fueled Chaos and Confusion in Myanmar | WIRED But among Myanmar observers and experts, there are already concerns about the role Facebook could play in the country’s 2020 elections. The population will be more connected than it was five years prior. The wars that have riled the country for decades show no signs of abating, and vitriol against the Rohingya continues even as the country makes preparations for their return. There is deep skepticism that the current attention will push Facebook to meaningfully address the problems in Myanmar. "When the media spotlight has been on there has been talk of changes, but after it passes are we actually going to see significant action?” Madden asks. “That is an open question. The historical record is not encouraging." UPDATE: This article has been revised to include Facebook's announcement that it will expand its efforts to remove material that could incite violence. More Great WIRED Stories Inside the moonshot factory building the next Google Rats! Coral reefs aren't getting enough bird poop How music fans built the internet The funky boat running on renewables and hydrogen Did Satoshi Nakamoto write this book excerpt? Hungry for even more deep-dives on your next favorite topic? Sign up for the Backchannel newsletter TOPICS FACEBOOK MYANMAR BURMESE MANDALAY One year for $29.99 $10 Get WIRED https://www.wired.com/story/how-facebooks-rise-fueled-chaos-and-confusion-in-myanmar/ SUBSCRIBE 16/16