Myanmar’s Internet Shutdowns: Silencing Resistance in the Battle for Connectivity | FULCRUM 1/24/25, 10:44 AM Despite these challenges, communities in resistance-controlled areas have shown remarkable resilience and ingenuity. People in Myanmar are trying to stay connected to the world and their loved ones through satellite internet, Wi-Fi hotspots, and radio signals in places ranging from internet cafes with spotty connections to even a bomb shelter. More seriously, Myanmar’s internet shutdowns and restrictive laws underscore a troubling global trend: authoritarian governments continue to suppress dissent, stifle protests, and silence marginalised communities through digital repression. For Myanmar, the people’s battle for connectivity is inseparable from their broader fight for democracy. Restoring communication in resistance-controlled areas is not just about facilitating the flow of information but also empowering communities to resist oppression, document abuses, and rebuild their lives. Technology’s role in shaping Myanmar’s future cannot be overstated. Connectivity is a lifeline for communities in crisis and a cornerstone of resistance against tyranny worldwide. As the opposition’s fight continues in Myanmar, the international community would ideally hold the junta accountable for weaponising internet shutdowns and other restrictions against resistance forces and civilians. Foreign partners can use targeted sanctions, capacity-building initiatives, and funding to local communities for broad humanitarian needs. These are essential components of a holistic strategy to counter the junta’s repressive tactics online and in real life. 2025/26 Surachanee Sriyai is a Visiting Fellow with the Media, Technology and Society Programme at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. She is the interim director of the Center for Sustainable Humanitarian Action with Displaced Ethnic Communities (SHADE) under the Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD), Chiang Mai University. Subscribe to Fulcrum for regular updates Subscribe https://fulcrum.sg/myanmars-internet-shutdowns-silencing-resistance-in-the-battle-for-connectivity/ Page 4 of 5