Myanmar Internet Blocked: Military Government Orders Access Restriction

Myanmar Internet Restrictions Expanded

Updated February 6 at 1:46 AM PT: Telenor has reported that the Myanmar Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) has instructed all mobile network operators to temporarily suspend data network services throughout Myanmar. Voice calls and SMS messaging remain operational.

The MoTC justified this directive by citing provisions within Myanmar’s Telecommunication Law. Concerns regarding the spread of false information, national stability, and public welfare were presented as the rationale for the order.

Telenor Myanmar stated that, as a locally operating company, it is legally obligated to comply with local regulations and is navigating this challenging situation. Ensuring the safety of its employees on the ground is currently the highest priority.

Initial Reports and Background

The following is our original report from Friday:

Myanmar’s recently established military government has mandated that local telecommunications companies, internet gateways, and internet service providers block access to Twitter and Instagram. This action follows a similar restriction imposed on Facebook earlier in the week, all in the name of maintaining “stability” within the country.

Telenor, a Norwegian telecommunications company and a major provider in Myanmar, confirmed that the government has ordered ISPs to block both Twitter and Instagram “until further notice.”

The directive is based on Myanmar’s telecommunications law, according to Telenor. However, the company is contesting the directive’s justification and proportionality, and has pointed out its conflict with international human rights standards.

Telenor’s Response and Concerns

Telenor Group expressed significant concern over this development. The company emphasizes the importance of upholding freedom of expression through consistent access to communication services, particularly during periods of unrest.

Users in Myanmar attempting to access the blocked services via the web are now redirected to a landing page indicating that access is restricted due to the MoTC’s directive. Telenor Group is actively working to restore access to these services as quickly as possible.

Confirmation of Blockages

Multiple users within Myanmar have reported being unable to access Twitter. NetBlocks, an organization that monitors global internet activity, has corroborated these reports, confirming that several networks within the country are actively blocking the social media platform.

A Twitter spokesperson communicated to TechCrunch their deep concern regarding the order to block internet services in Myanmar. They stated that this action hinders public discourse and infringes upon the rights of individuals to express their views.

The spokesperson further emphasized the increasing threat to the open internet globally and pledged continued advocacy against destructive government-led shutdowns. They acknowledged that some users in the Asia-Pacific region may also experience difficulties accessing Twitter, and that efforts are underway to resolve these issues.

Government Justification

The Ministry of Transport and Communications asserted in its order, dated February 5, that Twitter and Instagram were being exploited to disseminate propaganda and misinformation, thereby posing a threat to national stability.

This explanation mirrors the rationale provided when the ministry initially ordered a temporary block on Facebook earlier this week, scheduled to last until midnight on February 7th. (State-owned MPT, Myanmar’s largest telecom operator, had already been blocking Instagram and WhatsApp on its network, as reported by NetBlocks.)

Protests and Political Context

The order issued on Friday coincides with a surge in Twitter usage among Myanmar citizens protesting the recent military takeover. The protests were sparked by the detention of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected officials from her National League for Democracy party, which secured a landslide victory in last year’s elections.