relating to the interception, restriction and shutdown of digital communications and electronic data, as well as the identification of user locations.21 These amendments are intended solely to justify interception, disruption, restriction and location tracking under the law. Through the inclusion of such provisions, the junta’s surveillance of citizens communicating via telecommunications and online platforms may be perceived as legitimate under domestic law, despite being a clear violation of fundamental rights. As the human rights lawyer interviewed for this research observed: They have framed it as legal and just, even though it is clearly a violation. [It is not] justice if someone has [the right] to intrude on another person’s security, privacy or family life and watch them at any time. (KII-9) Simultaneously, the Union Taxation Law was amended to raise SIM card prices from MMK1,500 (USD 0.71) to MMK20,000 (USD 9.52) and increased telecom taxes by 15%. These financial barriers serve to limit internet access and discourage online engagement.22 Lastly, on 1 January 2025, the junta enacted the Cybersecurity Law, requiring internet service providers to retain user data for a minimum of three years.23 This enables longterm profiling and the criminalisation of past speech or digital activity, and poses a risk for HRDs, WHRDs and other dissidents. An interviewee noted: This clause enables authorities to arrest anyone at any time they choose. If someone does something the authorities oppose, they can look into the data and immediately accuse that person of a crime. These data were generated through interactions between service providers and users. It infringes on the property rights that are integral to digital rights. (KII-9) 3.2 Internet shutdowns: Restricting freedom of expression and of information Following the coup, the SAC has used internet shutdowns to suppress free speech and restrict the flow of information, impacting both the general public and human rights activists. Since the beginning of 2021, there have been at least six nationwide internet blackouts24 and over 420 shutdowns targeting specific regions where local crises intensified.25 According to a joint statement released by digital rights organisations in Myanmar on 31 March 2025, more than 100 townships have experienced internet shutdowns,26 many 21 https://www.myanmarinternet.info/my/post/blog_006 22 Myanmar Internet Project. (2024, 10 November). Myanmar Digital Coup Quarterly: August 2024 to October 2024. https:// www.myanmarinternet.info/my/post/quartely-report-004 23 https://www.myanmarinternet.info/my/post/cyber_law_in_myanmar 24 https://www.myanmarinternet.info/internet-shutdown 25 Ibid. 26 Myanmar Internet Project. (2025, 1 April). Joint statement: Myanmar must lift internet restrictions following devastating earthquake. https://www.myanmarinternet.info/post/joint-statement-myanmar-must-lift-internet-restrictions-following-devastating-earthquake 12