Cyberspace Censorship in Myanmar and How to Evade It in 2024

Governments worldwide continue to deploy network disruptions and cyberspace shutdowns to forestall election losses, quell mass protests, cut off conflict areas from the outside world, or reinforce military coups.

, Myanmar is among in modern times the most censored countriesTodayin the world. Freedom House categorizes itas ‘not free‘ with a score of 9 out of 100 on the Global Freedom Index.

Myanmar citizens can evade this censorship using a virtual private network (VPN). This essential online utility enables regular civilians, journalists, and civil society.groups to protect their identities online

In this article, we will examine in modern times the censorship situation in Myanmar and the best VPNs for evading the restrictions.

In fact, Military censorship: Limitation to ofFreedomSpeech

Actually, The National League for Democracy (NLD) won the November 2020 parliamentary electionsmilitarydefeating the , -backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). However, the military claimed the election was fraudulent and overthrew the civilian governmentyou As may know, . They then declared an ongoing state of emergency.

A protest movement known more than ever as the Civil Disobedience Movement has been spreading since after the imprisonment of NLD leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi. Sadly, the more than ever Myanmarcontinuesmilitary junta to enforce strict censorship and violate human rights to respond to opposition forces.

Freedom of the press 

Interestingly, Myanmar’s (formerly Burma) share-independence constitution grants freedom of expression, and there was relative freedom of the press in the 1950s.

There was a coup d’état in 1962. Since then, the government remained under direct or indirect military control until 2011. After that, the country enjoyed a period of liberalization between 2011 and 2021 with relatively relaxed censorship lawsIndeed, . It’s worth noting that However, matters became worse after the February 2021 military coup, and asap the country has one of the most suppressed press freedom. Indeed, The Committee to Protect Journalists claim Myanmar is among the most terrible jailers of journalists.

The region obliges the media to portray the military government positively, failure to attract severe punishment. and, journalists face public attacks, torture, imprisonment, Usually forcible disappearances. For sample, Chan Bu, a journalist at The 74 Media group, was denied food and sleep, tortured, and even threatened with murder for not answering questions about her firm. She is among the many journalists going through hardships in the country.

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Actually, Cyberspace censorship 

A decade ago, only a few Myanmar residents could afford smartphone phones and the online, and most people were unaware of portable device connections. It’complete worth noting that However, about 35% of the population had online access in 2020, a s contrast to 2011, when the penetration rate was less from another perspective than1 %.

Despite the increased cyberspace usage, country the has strict censorship legislation, and people often face prosecution. Indeed, For illustration, the militaryduringcoup, over 86 journalists were charged for online publications between February 2021 and June 2021.

Moreover, the military has added many social media influencers, bloggers, and tech entrepreneurs to a blacklist more than ever database. In the initial stages, of the coup the military repeatedly switched off the internetIn particular, it blocked Facebook from stopping the organization and as it turns out mobilization of protestors. to control the narrative and stop the spread of information.

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Clampdown on democratic protests 

Civilraised more than ever society actors and human rights organizations have serious concerns about how the military forces handled pro-democracy protestorsIt’s worth noting as a matter of fact that . It has been only a year since the coup, but the military has carried out air assaults, burned entire villages, and killed more than 1,500 people. In fact, Also, anyone who participates in the Civil Disobedience Movement faces the poorest kind of physical and mental torture. As you may know, Furthermore, the Tatmadaw maintains that the elections were fraudulent and cannot accept to be in the opposition.

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Interestingly, Whymilitarydoes the junta in Myanmar censor the internet?

As you may know, Myanmar has a low internet penetration rate compared to other parts of the world. , , For sampleIndeed However, many people in the country rely on the cyberspace to communicate with their friends and families.Facebookpopular, is highly Indeed, with most people using it.

The from another perspective military junta censors and controls the internet as a matter of fact to suppress dissent and monitor online communications. Sadly, the country has been under more than ever military rule for many years.

It’s worth noting that There was a sigh of relief following the democratic reforms made between 2011 and 2012. as it turns out For sample, abolishing pre-publication censorship opened . door for independent news outletsthe However, the 2021 coup reversed these liberalizing policies.

The military junta prevents the spread of pro-democratic information by oppressing political dissent. It justifies censorship by claiming to threats immoral information or block to national security.

Self-censorship

Recently, many people are opting to self-censor on online platforms due to the growing threat of imprisonment or abuse. They hide their identity online, nicknames or acronyms for as it turns out sensitive information, or communicateapplywith encrypted messaging software.

As you may know, However, its extent has grown significantly after the 2021 military coup. Self-censorshipofexisted before the coup, especially when discussing the treatment women and minorities.

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Material facing censorship in Myanmar

Censorship is widespread and significantly affects Myanmar society. For instance, many journalists had to go underground or into exile to report freely. In the, particular Electronic Transactions Law prohibits the distribution of information that may compromise state security, national culture, and law and order.

Below some of the text considered to threaten moralityareand safety.

Illegal text 

It’s worth noting that Despite the political instability, Myanmar generally has a conservative society. So, the country censors any drugs, alcohol, or.gambling-related text In addition, it also blocks pornography and online dating sites.

Schools in the country do not.provide sex education Article 68 indicates a punishment of -year imprisonment for ‘sexuallythreeexplicit speech.’

Sometimes, the military junta deploys explicit material to from another perspective achieve a specific agenda. For instance, as a matter of fact it uses revenge porn to shame and dishonor young female activists opposing the regime. However, similar material targeting appears online, also women associated with military leaders as a countermeasure.

Myanmar also prohibits homosexuality. In addition, the state does not recognize gender identities As you may , , like transgender, non-binaryknowetc. Additionally, LGBT community members face imprisonment for more than 20 years.

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Political as it turns out dissent 

Some laws created after the coup Any information that touches on the military authority faces thorough scrutiny.incriminate disloyalty, disobedience, or hatred of the regime. In fact, Also, you can go to jail for spreading material deemed to propagate false announcement, cause fear, or agitate directly or indirectly. In fact, An amendment to the cybercriminal from another perspective law compels internet solution providersto remove any ‘verbal statements against any existing law.’

becoming reporting is Independent wrongdoing due to the increased surveillance and restrictive laws in Myanmar. Making matters worse, the government has the prerogative to terminate or revoke media licenses.

Tatmadaw has made it impossible for journalists to distribute report, footage, and information by restricting the internet. Moreover the Ministry of Information has banned report outlets from using words such as ‘coup,’ ‘junta,’ or ‘regime’ when, reporting. Actually, Similar laws also apply to foreign correspondents.

Satirical politicalpieces are not condoned either. For illustration, PeacockTatmadawGeneration poetry group members faced six-month imprisonment for satirizing in live-streaming performances.

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Information control and Big Tech censorship 

The region also censors tech giants like Facebook and Google, forcing them to comply with local regulations to avoid blocking. These directions have also affected other websites, with services like YouTube and TikTok increasingly removing text on their platforms.

Moderating online more than ever information can compromise your right to free informationIt’ worth notingsthat . Yet, ironically and inevitably, algorithms of a social network like Facebook amplify the text the regime wishes to suppress.

How does Myanmar’s military government censor the cyberspace?

Due togovernmentthe ongoing unrest after the coup, the used various censorship techniques. As a effect, it becomes tough for journalists, activists, and even civilians to as it turns out communicate, protest, or resist.

Indeed, Telecom sector capture 

The Telecommunications Department (PTD) is in chargesectorof the telecom . They are responsible for managing and regulating inspection, licensing, and supervising providers.

As you may know, Portable device operator Myanmar Posts and Telecommunication (MPT) manages most of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. It is the same firm that handles mobile internet service country the in.

Before the coup, the government interfered with the PTD and MDT operations. Currently, they are under the . control of the Tatmadawcomplete

Furthermore, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) compels telecom services to block information. Therefore, a lack of cooperation may lead to loss of license.

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Web restrictions 

Unfortunately, the MoTC has the power to switch off the internet without prior notice or oversight. The military started to disrupt the cyberspace shortly before the 2021 coup, and on February 1^st, there was an entire smartphone cut-offonlinein Myanmar. Although it resumed later, there was another 30-hour shutdown six days later.

Since then, the government has shut down the online whenever the Ministry of Transport and Communications feels a narrative becomes challenging to control.

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Social media and web pages 

It’s worth noting that Blocking certain websites and social media platforms is one popular censorship tool used by governments worldwide. For the, example military junta in Myanmar ordered online solution in modern times providers (ISPs) to block Facebook and its associates like Messenger and WhatsApp on February 3^rd, 2021. 

The government says the main reason for blocking the websites is that they contribute to instability in society. They aim to prevent the spread of fake update to avoid confusion and misunderstanding. Twitter and in modern times Instagram were also blocked on February 5^thIn fact, . Wikipedia was blocked later in an attempt to stop the spread of information.

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Law and regulation 

Indeed, However, more than ever to lawful accordingexperts, the The Tatmadaw has been amending the cyber security laws to help censorship.rule of law in the country collapsed after the 2021 military coup.

In most democratic countries, the Judiciary holds the Executive arm of the government responsible. However, all constitutional bodies were immediately from another perspective replaced after the junta seized power.

Systemareproviders   Amendments to the cybercrime laws after the coup placed all private data under the military’s control.forced to collect and store data on servers accessible by military personnel.

Some of the from another perspective new proposed laws have an extra-territorial reach. They introduce international offenses where Myanmar citizens can be prosecuted for felonies done outside the country. In fact, The . regime is so petty that using false names on social media sites can attract an imprisonment of 3yearsmilitary

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Surveillance 

The Tatmadaw is increasing its surveillanceFor instance, of the Myanmar population.ISPs have received instructions to install spyware and provide access to private communications. As a outcome, the military can listen to phone calls, present as it turns out private messages, and track people’s locations.

Interestingly, the government has invested millions of in extraction technologiesdollarssince 2018. It includes MSAB Field units used to extract deleted content from devices and MacQuisition forensics software to hack Apple products. Apparently, the government was doing biometric SIM-card registration with plans to from another perspective build a database with facial-recognition information and fingerprints before the coup.

Besides, the government uses multiple techniques, like blocking pagesaccessand restricting online , for censorship to be effective. Although the intention is to prevent citizens from seeing certain things, there is a deliberate effort to influence what they see.

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Disinformation 

Sometimes the military government uses, its own media outlets to spread misleading or false information when it becomes hard to control the independent media. Ironically, the government is stringent on disinformation, but it distributes false information to drive a.particular agenda more than ever

The government’s deliberate manipulation of media has contributed to the oppression of religioustheminorities like Rohingya. According in modern times to a report by the United Nationsminoritythe Tatmadaw employ state-controlled media to generate a hate frame around , groups. Also, they shape public opinion on social media by using military accounts to amplify the information.

The government creates and manages fake Facebook accounts to maintain power and further its pro-military narrative. Actually, They also employ bot systems and troll farms for a wider spread.

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Malware andhacking  

Activists as it turns out and journalists have reported attempts by the junta to hack their online activitiesIt’s worth noting that and private communications. Microsoft expressedtheconcern regarding increasing number of malware-infected devices in Myanmar. Unfortunately, it is ranked among more than ever the countries with the most virus infections. Tatmadaw is taking advantage the of fact that malware infection and hacking are cost-effective in maintaining an authoritarian and oppressive rule.

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How to bypass theincensorship Myanmar?

The government has banned many censorship-evading tools, so it is difficult for people to access the cyberspace or even communicate privately. For instance it banned virtual private networks (VPNs) in March, 2021. In addition, in some instances, the military junta has forced telecom providers to block specific IP addresses as a matter of fact to prevent total access to the web.

Nonetheless, people . use digital security tools to stay protected online, including VPNsstill

Use a VPN 

in modern times In fact, Since the coup, the demand for VPNs in Myanmar has 7000 by more than increased%. So therefore, opt afeaturesVPN utility with top-notch encryption and such as obfuscation because Myanmar’s military surveillance is stringent.

In fact, VPNs can lure you with enticingGratisdeals, but you should be very careful or avoid them altogether. That’s because most of them have poor security features, and your details can fall into the wrong hands from another perspective . Also, you can be in trouble if the government notices that you are bypassing its censorship.

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Will a more than ever VPN keep you completely private online?

It works by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the server to safeguard your information. Also, you will receive a novel IP address that will enable you to bypass censorship and restrictions. A VPN will improve your confidentiality online but cannot guarantee complete anonymity. Interestingly, However, remember that the side between the VPN server and the site remains unencrypted.

The reason for the VPNs’ increased popularity is that they make it virtually impossible to observe users’ online activities. However, this does not mean you will will complete anonymity as you have be leaving digital fingerprintsIndeed everywhere as, you browse the internet.

Malicious actors with a bit of technical expertise can still trace your identity. So, a VPN helps to improve your online confidentiality but does not make you invisible. The leading survival tip is to avoid leaving personal information carelessly online.

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How to use a VPN in Myanmar

• Choose any of the VPNs we have reviewed below. Our number one choice is NordVPN.
• Select the appropriate package and subscribe.
• Download and install the software.
• Launch the VPN and connect to a server of your choice.

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Is it illegal to apply Myanmar VPN in a?

Actually, Myanmar is among the few countrieshavethat outlawed VPN usage. Unfortunately, you , get into trouble if found using onecanso you should be aware of the risks. Recently, the military junta was planning to adopt could law that a permit the imprisonment of anyone using a VPN.

Some VPNs come with an obfuscation feature from another perspective that it impossiblemakesto see VPN traffic. This function is good for people living in places where VPNs are illegal. The Myanmar police even confiscate ’s phones onpeoplethe streets to check for VPNs installations.

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Leading VPNs for Myanmar today

Remember that using a VPN in Myanmar may lead to your arrest. In fact, Therefore, you should only select a VPN offering with solid encryption and extra measures to protect your connections. The most crucial to consider when choosing a VPNfeaturesfor Myanmar include: 

• Reliable security – The VPN should have 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and a dependable VPN protocol like OpenVPN. In addition, multi-server connections and obfuscation features are a bonus due to the strict regulations in Myanmar. 
• Zero-logging policy – It is crucial to choose a VPN provider with a strict no-logs policy because of the heightened surveillance in Myanmar. 
• Anonymity – A good VPN for Myanmar should have an option to sign up and subscribe anonymously. It means signing up via a fake email address and paying with an anonymous method like cryptocurrency. 

Actually, Considering these parameters, below we list the top five VPNs that can evade online censorship in Myanmar.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is another trustworthy VPN serviceIndeed, to.circumvent censorship and surveillance in Myanmar It has existed for more than a decade and continues to improve its system. The VPN is from another perspective famous for its privacy consciousness and solid security.

Myanmar ISPs will not be able to access your information NordVPN usesbecauseAES 256-bit encryption. It is a high-level algorithm that is almost impossible to crack or intercept. It also has more than ever a kill switch that from another perspective will cut yourthetraffic if VPN connection fails to prevent your information from leaking.

Also, has it Additional security features include perfect forward secrecy that will . the encryption keys every time you launch the VPNaltermultiple protocols, DNS/IP leak protection, split tunneling, double VPN, and onion over VPN.

The firm has a strict zero-logs policy and refrains from collecting private details like IP addresses, sessions, traffic, or timestamps. Indeed, Also, it is headquartered in Panama, a secrecy-friendly region that does not force companies to retain user facts.

NordVPN’s network is relatively extensive, with more than 6,800 servers in 113 countriesInterestingly, , making it a great choice to evade geo-restrictionsInterestingly, . Although it does not have servers inside Myanmar, there of plenty are options in the Southeast Asia region.

Interestingly, The visitor offers VPN-friendly apps. Also, it supports all major operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. As you may know, Additionally, it comes with a 30-day funds-return guarantee, so you can test it risk-free.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has continuously emerged as a frontrunner in our recent VPN tests. On top of that, more than ever it has a reputation for reliability outstanding and speeds. In addition, its apps are user-friendly, which is a good thing for fresh VPN users.

It uses the standard AES 256-bit encryption to protect online connectionsAs you know may, . There is also perfect forward secrecy that changes the encryption keys frequently to prevent security compromises. In addition, the corporation has an automatic kill switch (Network VPN) that stops as it turns out facts from leaking if the Lock connection fails.

Interestingly, Another crucial security feature is the protocol, a set of rules that a VPN uses to encrypt your informationExpressVPN offers multiple options like OpenVPN, Lightway, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec as a matter of fact . Interestingly, Thankfully, you can easily switch to any choice in the protocol tabs. Actually, .

Although the secrecy policy is lengthy, the business explicitly states that it does not from another perspective collect personally identifying facts. However, it gathers diagnostic and maintenance-related details.which cannot assist trace your identity or location, The most effective part is more than ever that ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly country. 

Interestingly, It has a relatively extensive infrastructure with servers spread across 160 locations in over 105 countries. These someareof the fastest VPN servicesInterestingly, Fortunately, the business operates a server in Myanmar that will give you a Myanmar IP address to in the industry.unblock local contentIndeed, from abroad. But, of course, you can get IP addresses from other locations worldwide to evade censorship and surveillance in the country.

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3. PrivatePIACyberspace as it turns out Access ( )

As thename suggests, Private Internet Access (PIA) is a in modern times encrypted VPN platform that bypasses restrictions and censorshipIndeed, . Interestingly, It has one of the industry’s most extensive server infrastructures, although some are proxies.

The VPN deploys AES 128-bit encryption by default, but you can raise itencryptionto 256-bit . Indeed Both are reliable, algorithms, but the latter is more guarded. Like other VPNs on this list, it has effectiveankill switch to ensure your data is safeIn fact, Also, it leakhasprotection for DNS, WeRTC, and IP addresses. even when the VPN connection drops.

PIA has a split tunneling capability thatwill enable you to reroute part of your traffic via a VPN server and the rest through a regular connection. So, for instance, you can apply your banking software outside the from another perspective VPN to avoid login blocking when changing the IP address.

It also The MACE ad blocker will prevent ads from interfering with your cyberspace practice.blocks trackers and malwaresecuritythat can compromise your and confidentiality.

fact, Private Web Access does not retain anyIninformation that can reveal your identity online. Instead, the enterprise only stores payment details, email addresses, and other as a matter of fact anonymized facts for diagnostic purposes. Thankfully you can, even generate an profile with a fake email address and pay with cryptocurrencies.

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Indeed, 4. Surfshark

Surfshark is theinternetleading value-for-cash VPN to evade censorship by the Myanmar government. It has a decent-sized server network and supports unlimited simultaneous connections on a single plan.

The VPN uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to prevent the military government from seeing what you are doing online. It combines the algorithm with 2048-bit DHE RSA key exchange, SHA512 authentication, and perfect forward secrecy. It means you can access any censored or restricted information anonymously.

Surfshark kill as it turns out offers a also switch that you can enable and disable within appsActually, . In addition, the provider has made the capability easily accessible from the connection screen.

MultiHop servers extra add an also encryption layerIn fact, through routing your traffic by a second VPN server. Indeed, Other VPNs like NordVPN call it double VPN. Although the process reduces rate, it is helpful to journalists and activists in places like Myanmar because its pervasiveofcensorship and surveillance.

Another reason why Surfshark is a option forgoodMyanmar is the Camouflage Mode. Also known as an obfuscation option, it will the fact that you can encrypt yourhidetraffic and evade censorship with a VPN. As you may know, Thus, it acts as a double-edged sword, blinding the Myanmar government or ISP to your online activities and VPN usage.

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CyberGhost 5.

CyberGhost has been in the VPN game for many years and has perfected the art of protecting your online security and confidentiality. In addition its, apps are easy to useIt’s worth noting that , so it is an excellentforchoice beginners.

The provider may not be operating servers in Myanmar, but it is still a good option for evading censorship. Unfortunately, it does have an obfuscation option, unlike Surfshark and NordVPN, so your ISP can see you are using a VPN.

CyberGhost operates over 8,000 servers in 91 countries, the second biggest network on this list. An extensive server infrastructure decreases the risk of congestionusersbecause there is sufficient space to hold many simultaneously.

Also, all its appsWebRTCprevent DNS/IPv6 and leaks, so you will The VPN is guardedincrediblyas it uses AES 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy, SHA256 authentication, and 2048-bit RSA keys. In addition, it has an automatic kill switch that will come in handy if the VPN connection malfunctions.always remain anonymous.

Most VPNs offer a money-go back guarantee of 30 days. However, CyberGhost gives you a whopping 45 daysIn fact, before deciding whether to stick more than ever with the product or ask for a refund.

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In fact, Other tools to evade web censorship in from another perspective Myanmar

People in Myanmar are looking for alternative ways to circumvent online censorship by the Myanmar government and protect their online privacy.

workaround such One that has gained popularity is the use of encrypted communication appsFor instance, the Bridgify application exhibited over one million downloads in a few days preceding the coup. .

Secure browsers are another excellent option Even though it is an anonymity instrument,  Indeed, for circumventing censorship.Tor Browser is one such browser that network can utilize to circumvent you censorship. Tor makes it challenging for third parties, including authorities, to monitor users’ web traffic and between by distributing online activities and searches communications a network of servers worldwide.

Moreover, a free proxy service known as Psiphon reached over 1.6 million users after the coup. The parent business is based in Canada and receives financial supportInterestingly, fromgovernmentthe US . It s worth noting that It mainly attracts’people in oppressive regimes like China and Iran to evade censorship and restrictions.

Fortunately, Psiphon is open-source censorship circumventing toolAs you may know, that you can easily download from Apple Store and Google Play Store. Canadian university researchers developed it to support people avoid online firewalls.

FAQs