I e ie Fi di g In addition to exploring the censorship and surveillance capabilities of the authorities it is also important to understand the overall experience of individuals working in Myanmar on sensitive issues such as human rights minority rights and digital rights This section of the research study therefore provides an overview of the project s interview findings including personal experience with issues of safety surveillance and censorship and self censorship Interviewees also offered insights into future needs and challenges Out of 24 people interviewed 29 identified as activists 13 identified as civil society workers and 13 identified as journalists The remaining interviewees identified as an advocate change maker consultant development worker educator explorer human rights defender peace builder researcher trainer and writer In general participants in the study reported feeling unsafe both online and offline These feelings come from encountering issues such as racism harassment and intimidation gender based harassment and violence in both spaces These findings are consistent with other related studies of surveillance in Myanmar According to a report by Free Expression Myanmar 62 of protesters in the country had reason to believe that they had been placed under surveillance after protesting Of those surveyed 48 had identified unknown persons watching or following them in the street after the protest and 14 had identified signs that they were under electronic surveillance via their phones or online presence Notably women protesters were three times more likely than men to have identified signs of online surveillance Safe O i e afe The vast majority 79 of interviewees said they do not feel secure online As the majority of these people have begun to use the internet to access information mobilize communities and coordinate advocacy efforts the authorities surveillance practices have also shifted into these online spaces Primary online safety concerns include SIM registration hacking unlawful interceptions and security on Facebook and other social media platforms Hacking attempts are commonplace for individuals in at risk areas of work Almost every participant reported receiving login alerts emails stating someone had tried to gain access to their accounts on Facebook In addition several of the individuals who worked on the peace process conflict and political content reported receiving messages on their Gmail accounts saying Government backed attackers may be trying to steal your password These messages were received in 2012 and then again in 2017 and 2018 Online surveillance is reported to be widespread on Facebook the use of which is omnipresent in Myanmar Interviewees indicated that the police from the Special Branch of the Special Intelligence Department often create fake accounts and interact with them in ambiguous and difficult to understand ways It also appears as though the police are monitoring the Facebook activities of outspoken individuals as interviewees reported receiving intimidating calls within half an hour of posting content to Facebook