Internet blackout in Myanmar continues amid fears of worsening crackdown

A ban on public gatherings has little effect despite increasingly agressive methods from security services

Demonstrators gather on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 to protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar. AP

Myanmar’s junta blocked the internet for a second night straight to stem nationwide protests after it seized power from civilian leaders on February 1.

The blackout came shortly after state-run MRTV said army chief Min Aung Hlaing enacted a new law telecommunications law, with details set to be announced on Tuesday.

Authorities have sought to disrupt telephone and internet access to prevent demonstrators from organising.

They have granted themselves new powers to intercept communications and detain dissidents.

Protests continued on Monday in defiance of a ban on public gatherings imposed after the coup.

The junta is scheduled to give its first press briefing since it took power later on Tuesday, while US Ambassador to Myanmar Thomas Vajda plans to host an online question-and-answer session hall for Americans.

Myanmar’s military leaders have struggled to gain control of the streets since ousting the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party won a landslide victory in November elections. She has urged the country’s 55 million people to oppose the army’s move, calling it “an attempt to bring the nation back under the military dictatorship”.

Ms Suu Kyi and other political leaders are among more than 400 people detained since the coup, a number that rises by the day. While authorities have largely avoided confronting protesters in major cities who have ignored a ban on public gatherings, several demonstrators have been injured in crackdowns, including a woman shot in the head who is now on life support in Naypyidaw, the capital.

Ms Suu Kyi will remain in detention ahead of a Wednesday court hearing, Reuters reported, citing her lawyer.

Demonstrators hold up placards supporting the 'civil disobedience movement' (CDM) in front of an armoured vehicle during a protest outside the Central Bank in Yangon, Myanmar. EPA

A military armored vehicle is seen driving along with traffic on a road in Yangon, Myanmar. Getty

An armored personnel carrier is deployed outside the Central Bank building in Yangon, Myanmar. AP

Myanmar's military junta on 15 February cut Internet services and deployed troops and armoured vehicles across the country. EPA

A policeman holding a shield stands guard in front of Yangon City Hall during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar. EPA

Demonstrators hold up placards in front of an armoured vehicle during a protest outside the Central Bank in Yangon, Myanmar. EPA

Soldiers stand guard in front of banners calling for the release of Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint during a protest outside the Central Bank in Yangon, Myanmar. EPA

Armoured vehicles drive along a road in Yangon, Myanmar. EPA

Demonstrators hold up placards supporting the CDM during a protest outside the Central Bank in Yangon, Myanmar. EPA

Demonstrators hold up placards supporting the CDM in Yangon, Myanmar. EPA

Telenor Group, which owns one of two wholly foreign owned telecommunications providers in Myanmar, on Monday joined mounting opposition to the junta’s proposed cybersecurity bill, saying it gives the regime broad powers including the ability to order lawful interception.

The Asia Internet Coalition, whose members include Facebook, Apple and Google, stated on February 11 that the bill allows for unprecedented censorship, breaches privacy and would “significantly undermine freedom of expression”.

“The current very short and limited consultation has not allowed for the required dialogue on the proposed Cyber Security Bill,” Telenor said in a statement. “We are concerned that the proposed bill does not progress relevant regulatory frameworks and law for a digital future, nor promotes and safeguards digital safety and rights.”