2/24/25, 2:49 PM Online Oppression Takes a New Turn in Myanmar - Fortify Rights The junta’s forces are now regularly checking people’s phones in warrantless searches, and many citizens are removing VPN apps before stepping out of their homes or travelling. This precaution underscores the widespread atmosphere of surveillance and how far people must go to protect their privacy in such a repressive environment. In addition to the VPN issue, article 72 of the cybersecurity decree prohibits the distribution of information deemed “inappropriate” by junta authorities. Since the coup, my organization, Fortify Rights, has released seven full-length reports and over 300 publications documenting the junta’s war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ongoing genocide of the Rohingya – all of which would likely come under the label “inappropriate” according to the new cybersecurity decree. This is not an accident or oversight but rather the raison d’être of the new decree. The junta is intent on suppressing the facts of its atrocities and punishing anyone who dare murmur the truth of its illegitimacy. So what, if anything, can be done to fight such comprehensive oppression? While Myanmar’s internet is becoming increasingly censored and suppressed, most of the rest of the world is communicating at ever-increasing speed and openness. It is, therefore, incumbent on individuals outside of Myanmar who care about our struggle to raise their voices and share the reality of the junta’s crimes. It is also essential that the international community seek accountability for the junta’s ongoing atrocities – the junta’s brazen persecution of the Myanmar people is made possible by its continued impunity. One way to achieve accountability is for International Criminal Court (ICC) member states to refer the entire Myanmar situation to the ICC Prosecutor under article 14 of the Rome Statute. While the ICC Chief Prosecutor’s decision to seek an arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is a welcome and overdue move, the scope of crimes the junta leader could be held accountable for is extremely limited, as that request is https://www.fortifyrights.org/mya-inv-oped-2025-02-09/ 4/7