Following the detention of leaders from the ruling National League for Democracy, including Aung San Suu Kyi, by the military and the subsequent declaration of a state of emergency, internet access in Myanmar experienced a significant decline. The NLD secured a substantial majority in the parliamentary elections held in November, results the military contests, claiming widespread election irregularities. The armed forces announced, via military-owned television, the implementation of a year-long state of emergency and the transfer of authority to military chief Min Aung Hlaing.

NetBlocks, a global non-governmental organization focused on digital rights, cybersecurity, and internet governance, reported that internet disruptions commenced around 3:00 AM local time on Monday. National connectivity initially decreased to 75% of normal levels before falling to approximately 50% by 8:00 AM. Analysis indicates that these disruptions impacted multiple network providers, notably the state-owned Myanma Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) and Telenor. NetBlocks stated that initial evidence “suggests a centrally mandated disruption mechanism affecting both cellular and certain fixed-line services, with compliance increasing over time among operators.”

The American Citizen Services section of the United States Embassy communicated via Twitter that both internet and telephone connectivity are currently restricted throughout Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw.

Aye Min Thant, previously a Reuters correspondent and currently the Tech for Peace program manager at Yangon-based tech accelerator Phandeeyar, reported via Twitter that she was automatically logged out of Signal and Telegram overnight and is unable to log back in due to a shutdown of cellular service, preventing receipt of verification codes.

The detention of Suu Kyi and other National League for Democracy officials occurred shortly after the Myanmar military sought to alleviate concerns regarding a potential coup, asserting its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s constitution, despite its allegations of fraud in the November election.

Myanmar was previously under direct military control following a 1962 coup that ousted the civilian government. Although free elections were conducted in 1990, resulting in an NLD victory, the military declined to relinquish power, instead placing Suu Kyi under house arrest. A gradual transition towards democratic governance began after 2011, though the military continued to wield considerable influence within the government.

The NLD has also faced accusations of involvement in the military’s campaign of ethnic cleansing against Rohingya Muslims and the disenfranchisement of political opponents.

Despite not employing direct censorship of online content, Myanmar received a score of only 36 out of 100 from Freedom House in 2019. This rating reflects manipulation of online content by both the military and the NLD, as well as legal actions that encourage self-censorship among individuals. In June 2019, the government imposed an internet ban in parts of Rakhine and Chin State, areas experiencing ongoing conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have noted that this ban hinders communication with families, access to COVID-19 information, and the receipt of essential aid for those affected.