Myanmar’s Digital Crackdown is Worsening: The World is Stepping Back | TechPolicy.Press 7/24/25, 12:16 PM A key part of this system is the electronic identification card, or e-ID. The junta maintains that the e-ID is required only for specific purposes, such as applying for a passport or certain types of labor permits. But civil society groups have documented a steady increase in coercion. Workers are being pushed to enroll in the e-ID system or risk losing access to employment, social security benefits, and freedom of movement. Although there is no o"cial mandate requiring all citizens to register, in practice, refusal to enroll increasingly leads to exclusion. Once issued, the e-ID links the holder to a vast array of databases. With a single scan, authorities are reportedly able to pull up an individual’s personal history, including political a"liations, past arrests, and other sensitive details. The entire surveillance apparatus mirrors India’s Aadhaar biometric ID system. It was reported that members of Aadhaar's technical team provided expertise to the junta on biometric scanners — raising concerns about India's involvement in the military's surveillance infrastructure. The proliferation of propaganda The military has become increasingly aggressive in using social media to spread propaganda and disinformation. Civil society groups like Red Flag have reported a resurgence of coordinated military propaganda campaigns across social media. The junta has created perfect conditions for misinformation and false narratives to thrive. By implementing internet shutdowns, people cannot document and share real-time events from the ground. Independent journalists and media workers are often targeted for arbitrary detention, violence, and in some cases, killed for daring to report on human rights abuses. People who dare to speak out against the military face retaliation, including surveillance, arrest, or worse. Meanwhile, state-run media play a central role in shaping and amplifying the military’s https://www.techpolicy.press/myanmars-digital-crackdown-is-worsening-the-world-is-stepping-back/ Page 5 of 7