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Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar 3.4.1. Digital security practices Using Password Manager 13.14% Two-Steps Verification 58.86% Using Secure Communication Apps 34.86% Setting Disappearing Messaging 36.57% Facebook Profile Lock 59.43 Using Strong Passwords User Burner Phones 73.14% 0.57% Adjust Security Setting for Apps and Wesite 0.00% 32.57% 20.00% 40.00% 60.00% Figure 11: Digital security practices According to a list compiled by Radio Free Asia (RFA) based on SAC statements, over 1,050 netizens were arrested between 2022 January and 2023 April for sharing anticoup content on social media. The junta’s widespread use of digital evidence to curb support to the revolution led to increased digital security risk awareness in Myanmar, with internet users upgrading their digital security practices to mitigate personal risks. Reflecting this trend, nearly three-quarters of the respondents use strong passwords, though only half of them utilize two-step verification, which is considered a basic and crucial digital security feature. 59% of the respondents use the Facebook Profile Lock, a safety feature introduced by the platform on 31 March 2021, which can prevent others from easily accessing the user’s personal data. Only 34.86% of respondents use secure communication applications. Furthermore, the use of the disappearing message function, which allows messages to disappear after a selected period, was reported by only 36.86% of respondents. Similarly, only 32.57% of respondents have changed the security settings of the applications they use. Therefore, 39

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“Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar” Research

Report

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Language

English

Topic

Digital Rights
Digital Surveillance
Information Operation
Internet Connectivity / Accessibility
Internet Restrictions
Military Coup

Author(s)

Gender Equality Network (GEN)
Myanmar Internet Project (MIP)

Date Published: Apr 2, 2024

Abstract: This study on “Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar” serves as an introductory overview of the implications of the military’s digital repression on women’s rights and gender equality in Myanmar, while acknowledging and measuring the benefits ICTs have brought for women and women’s rights organizations in the country. Quantitative and qualitative data collection for the study was undertaken in February 2023 through an online survey and key informant interviews (KIIs). The survey was conducted via Google Forms and utilized the Convenience Sampling Method and Snowball Sampling Method to mitigate the security risks imposed on the participants - a total of 175 individuals. Twelve people working on women’s rights and digital rights in various capacities were interviewed for the KIIs to ensure a comprehensive range of perspectives.

The study’s main findings revealed that

i) there is a gender gap in mobile phone ownership and internet use;

ii) women from lower income households, women belonging to ethnic minorities and women from conflict-affected areas are at particular risk of digital exclusion;

(iii) ICTs have the potential to greatly enhance women’s rights organizations ability to create new values and to shape meanings, internalized beliefs and social norms;

iv) the military’s digital control exacerbates the risks of gender-based violence and disrupts women’s access to accurate and trustworthy information and life-saving services.

The study highlighted concerns about the impact of the junta’s violent campaign of terror against the pro-democracy movement as it stifles the voices of women online and reinforces a culture of fear and silence, perpetuates self-censorship, and reduces women’s political participation in digital spaces. Women human rights defenders and other activists depend on digital platforms for solidarity, networking and mobilization, hence online attacks mean they must find ways to mitigate digital risks to continue their work.

A series of recommendations are included in the study to facilitate the advocacy of the international community, donor agencies, telecommunications and technology companies operating in Myanmar and the democratically-elected government. The recommendations emphasize the need to pressure the military junta to immediately end internet and telecommunications shutdowns and to hold platforms accountable to minimize digital harms for women and girls in Myanmar.

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Technology - Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar.pdf
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