Digitalizing Myanmar: Connectivity Developments in Political Transitions – Andrea Calderaro launch of the connectivity plan. The ETL was reviewed in October 2013, keeping the definition of cybercrime vague and characterizing much online behavior as cybercrime. In order to avoid abuse of the law, the release of a new ETL should better define which online behaviors can be considered violations. Online Hate Speech This paper has already mentioned the increasing conflict between Buddhists and the Muslim minority that has led to violent episodes across the country. The spread of connectivity and the use of social media are creating new ways of circulating information that serves to enhance this conflict. On July 2, 2014, following a rumor circulating on Facebook about a Buddhist woman raped by a Muslim, violent riots exploded in Mandalay, culminating in the deaths of two people. On the third day of riots, Facebook was shut down for almost twelve hours. 32 Although internet penetration in Myanmar is low, internet users use Facebook on a massive scale. The riots are evidence of the impact that social media has on society. New initiatives must be taken to control the spread of online hate speech in order to avoid the practice of internet shutdowns to prevent hate speech. Corporate Social Responsibility As a result of its transition, Myanmar has the opportunity to ensure that the development of telecom infrastructure goes hand in hand with implementing freedoms and digital rights for its citizens. Ooredoo and Telenor must play a role in both developing telecommunication infrastructures and ensuring this development follows a new regulatory policy agenda that prides itself on removing limits to freedom of expression and enhancing digital freedoms. In the coming years, Myanmar has the opportunity to establish real and sustainable change, and Ooredoo and Telenor are called to properly address their dual responsibilities in this telecom development process. 32 Facebook Problems Coincide With Curfew in Burma, Irrawaddy, 4 July 2014. Available at: http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/facebook-problems-coincide-curfew-burma.html 21