
On Wednesday, the military government of Myanmar officially unveiled a new cybersecurity law aimed at regulating digital communications and addressing various cyber offenses.
As reported by a local news outlet, the preliminary sections of this legislation, known as Cybersecurity Law No. 1/2025, reveal a framework of stringent regulations that seeks to control the flow of online information while expanding the government’s surveillance capabilities.
Regulations and Requirements
This law imposes requirements for service providers, mandating them to store user data for up to three years.
Additionally, the authorities have been granted sweeping powers to oversee and manage online content, which effectively bans the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) unless they receive government approval.
The legislation also introduces hefty penalties for spreading misinformation or rumors, potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment for individuals and digital service providers alike.
Digital platforms that fail to comply with these new regulations face serious consequences, including substantial fines and the possibility of service suspension.
This evolving landscape puts immense pressure on businesses operating in Myanmar, likely leading them to self-censor their content to avoid punitive measures.
The law emphasizes the need for digital platforms to register; those without valid or updated registrations can expect further sanctions.
Impact on Civil Liberties
The introduction of this cybersecurity law illustrates the junta’s ongoing efforts to assert control amidst mounting civil unrest.
It comes on the heels of the military coup in February 2021, which sparked widespread protests and armed resistance against the ruling regime.
Since that time, the junta has escalated its grip on media and communications, making previous attempts to restrict access to social media and independent news sources more pronounced.
Observers view this legislation as a strategic move intended to stifle dissent and limit public discussion.
Historically, Myanmar has shown a pattern of opacity and negligence regarding cybersecurity matters.
A draft of this law first emerged in 2019, but its urgency surged after the coup, as the military sought to reinforce its authority through digital oppression.
Critics of the law argue that it significantly compromises essential human rights, particularly the rights to privacy and freedom of speech, creating a climate where dissent is discouraged and systematically suppressed.
They believe that this new cybersecurity measure marks a troubling escalation in state control over the digital landscape, further constraining citizens’ rights while solidifying the junta’s power during this chaotic period in the country’s history.
Conclusion
The new cybersecurity law in Myanmar represents an alarming development in the government’s approach to digital freedom and civil liberties.
As the military junta continues to consolidate its power, the consequences of this legislation are likely to reverberate through various aspects of society, forcing individuals and businesses to navigate a precarious digital environment.
Source: Jurist