On CCTV systems and human rights “Given the transparency issues, it is likely that Myanmar’s future network of smart cities will cement opacity and unilateral action as a feature of their structure, unless a right to information law is put in place, and accountability and transparency mechanisms are implemented.” Back to contents 69 such as adopting legislation to give effect to the right to information, and that fees for access must be limited, responses to requests must be timely, authorities must provide explanations for withholding information, and states need to establish appeals mechanisms. Right to Information laws, which have been adopted in around 130 countries, are powerful legal tools that individuals, journalists, and activists can use to improve government transparency and to understand the government’s use of public funds and data.135 They are also included in other international agreements, including Article 10 of the UN Convention against Corruption, which has been ratified by Myanmar, and SDG 16.10 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Several important details about Myanmar’s CCTV network remain unknown at the time of writing this report. Information about equipment specifications, extent of current use, accountability mechanisms surrounding use and responsible authorities, for instance, are unanswered questions. While our research uncovered some information about who is building this technology and the entities interested in buying it, there are still critical gaps in information required for meaningful engagement with government entities in Myanmar. Given the transparency issues surrounding biometric technologies discussed earlier in this report, it is likely that Myanmar’s future network of smart cities will cement opacity and unilateral action as a feature of their structure, unless a right to information law is put in place, and accountability and transparency mechanisms are implemented.