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4/22/26, 12:04 PM Status of Freedom of Expression in Myanmar (March 2026) – Athan Similarly, in some villages in Thayetchaung Township, Tanintharyi Region, the Karen National Union (KNU) issued a statement on March 6 regarding inevitable communication restrictions due to security conditions. It stated that these restrictions were implemented for the safety of local residents as the military council had cut off communication lines and was conducting continuous airstrikes. Such communication restrictions demonstrate that various actors, including the terrorist military council and local armed revolutionary organizations, are attempting to control the telecommunications sector. It is observed that consequences regarding citizens’ access to information and their right to freedom of expression persist.        Civil Society Condemns Philippine Diplomatic Engagement withMyanmar’s Military Junta  By Webmaster Related Post NEWS STATEMENTS Civil Society Condemns Philippine Diplomatic Engagement withMyanmar’s Military Junta  JAN 16, 2026  WEBMASTER MONTHLY BRIEFING The Situation of Freedom of Expression in Myanmar in October 2025  NOV 13, 2025  WEBMASTER MONTHLY BRIEFING Freedom of Peaceful Assembly (FOPA) 2025, September  OCT 27, 2025  WEBMASTER You missed https://athanmyanmar.org/status-of-freedom-of-expression-in-myanmar-march-2026/ 2/3

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Status of Freedom of Expression in Myanmar (March 2026)

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Language

English

Topic

Digital Rights
Digital Surveillance
Information Operation
Internet Restrictions

Author(s)

Athan

Date Published: Apr 11, 2026

Abstract: During March, it was observed that control over the telecommunications sector was increased by requiring the registration of mobile phones and SIM cards through the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) system. The CEIR registration system registers, verifies, and controls mobile devices in a database using each device’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number for use on telecom networks. When a mobile phone connects to the network, the IMEI number can be checked against the CEIR database to allow or block network access.

When this system is combined with SIM card registration and other user data, it becomes a digital surveillance infrastructure capable of monitoring and controlling citizens’ communication activities. While CEIR systems are used in some Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Indonesia, their primary goals are to control the mobile phone black market, collect taxes, and track phones for security purposes. However, for Myanmar, it is likely to be more about digital surveillance than tax revenue or crime prevention. By linking SIM cards and IMEIs, there is an attempt to precisely track mobile phone network users, the types of phones they use, and their locations. At the same time, telephone and internet line cut-offs continue in areas of intense fighting and conflict, significantly impacting citizens’ access to information and secure communication. For example, during March, telephone and internet communications were cut off in some villages in Thayetchaung Township, Tanintharyi Region, and airstrikes continued.

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Status of Freedom of Expression in Myanmar (March 2026)

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