8/21/22, 9:02 PM We, the undersigned civil society organizations, reject the so-called “Cyber Security Bill” drafted by the current military regime, which has not been entrusted by the people with legislative power. On 9 February 2021, the Ministry of Transport and Communications issued a directive enclosing the socalled “Cyber Security Bill” – which violates the principles of digital rights, privacy and other human rights – and circulated these documents to mobile operators and telecommunications license holders for comments. Firstly, as this “bill” is not issued by an institution that has been entrusted with legislative power by the public to act accordingly, we do not accept this as a legitimate bill. Secondly, the “bill” includes clauses which violate human rights including the rights to freedom of expression, data protection and privacy, and other democratic principles and human rights in the online space. As the “bill” is drafted by the current military regime to oppress those who are against its rule, and to restrict the mobilization and momentum of online resistance, we strongly condemn this action by the current military regime in accordance with our democratic principles. The issuance of the “bill” is evidence that the military has not only attempted a coup d’état, but is also exercising undue legislative power unlawfully to oppress the public. If this unlawful action by the current military regime is not denounced strongly in time, military oppression over the country will be long lived and we, the undersigned civil society organizations, strongly condemn this action by the current military regime and issue the following statements – 1. We do not accept and we strongly condemn the military coup d’état and demand the current military regime https://freeexpressionmyanmar.org/civil-society-statement-on-the-so-called-cyber-security-bill/ 11/21