Following the February 1, 2021 coup, 緬甸's military government imposed a near-total internet blackout that lasted months. Mobile data - the primary internet access method for most 緬甸 citizens - was shut down entirely. Fixed broadband remained available but heavily censored. The junta ordered ISPs to block Facebook (used by over half the population), Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, and dozens of independent news websites.
The junta also mandated the installation of surveillance equipment at ISPs, reportedly including technology from Chinese firms. VPN usage surged after the coup, but authorities responded by blocking major VPN services and threatening criminal prosecution for VPN users under the amended Cybersecurity Law, which carries penalties of up to three years in prison for using circumvention tools.
Despite these threats, digital resistance continues. The Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and opposition National Unity Government (NUG) rely heavily on encrypted communications and circumvention tools including Tor to coordinate activities and publish information. The junta's censorship is enforced inconsistently across ISPs, creating opportunities for circumvention.