million Myanmar kyat (approximately USD 470 – 4,700), or both, in addition to the confiscation of evidence. For companies or organizations, the minimum fine is ten million kyat, and all proceeds from the violation are confiscated240. Residents have reported random phone checks by the military, during which soldiers search for social media use and VPN apps241. After the 2021 coup, the junta banned access to Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram in Myanmar, prompting people to use VPNs to regain access242. Facebook, in particular, has long been one of the most popular social media platforms in the country, with 13.1 million users in Myanmar as early as 2025243. Under the Cybersecurity Law, digital platform service providers are required to collect users’ names and data for up to three years and disclose this information to authorities upon request. The law also penalizes those who read, store, or share articles from media outlets or groups that the military has banned or designated as terrorist. It further grants authorities the power to shut down online services for reasons of national security and the “public good,” and enables actions against Myanmar citizens outside the country’s borders244. Despite this repressive environment, media have reported that Facebook has been used extensively by the junta’s proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) for election campaigns245. USDP Facebook pages reportedly published five to seven posts daily during the campaign period, focusing on rallies, speeches, and campaign promises. The USDP also campaigned on TikTok, Telegram, and YouTube. Many USDP figures, including its chairperson Khin Yi, are reportedly among the most active users on social media246. Media reports indicate that he has increased his social media activity since September 2025, posting three to four video clips a day in which he Ibid. Ibid. 241. “Myanmar Junta Launches Street Phone Checks as Cybersecurity Law Takes Effect.” The Irrawaddy, 6 Aug. 2025, www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-launches-street-phone-checks-as-cybersecurity-law-takes-effect.html. 242. Kemp, Simon. “Digital 2025: Myanmar.” DataReportal, 3 Mar. 2025, datareportal.com/reports/ digital-2025-myanmar. 243. Ratcliffe, Rebecca. “Myanmar Coup: Army Blocks Facebook Access as Civil Disobedience Grows.” The Guardian, 4 Feb. 2021, www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/feb/04/myanmarcoup-army-blocks-facebook-access-as-civil-disobedience-grows. 244. “Myanmar’s New Cybercrime Law Will Suppress Information, Say Analysts.” VOA, 3 Jan. 2025, www. voanews.com/a/myanmar-s-new-cybercrime-law-will-suppress-information-say-analysts/7923821.html. 245. Myo Pyae. “Myanmar Military’s Favorite Election Campaign Platform? Banned Facebook.” The Irrawaddy, 12 Dec. 2025, www.irrawaddy.com/news/politics/myanmar-militarys-favorite-election-campaignplatform-banned-facebook.html. 246. Kavi Maung. “Pro-Junta Politicians Ramp up Online Activity as Election Nears.” The Irrawaddy, 17 Oct. 2025, www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/pro-junta-politicians-ramp-up-online-activity-as-electionnears.html. 239. 240. 56