Report: Myanmar Tops List in Record Year for Internet Shutdowns
In a record-setting year for internet shutdowns, Myanmar has been identified as the worst-affected nation globally, with 85 shutdowns reported in 2024, VOA reported citing a new report by the digital rights organization Access Now. Released on February 24, the report highlights that authorities worldwide imposed at least 296 shutdowns across 54 countries, with conflict being the primary trigger.
The Asia-Pacific region accounted for 202 shutdowns in 11 countries, marking the highest tally recorded by Access Now in a single year. Notably, Myanmar, India, and Pakistan collectively represented around 64% of all documented shutdowns, with India reporting 84 cases.
Access Now’s Asia Pacific policy director, Raman Jit Singh Chima, expressed concerns over the rise of digital authoritarianism in the region, stating that shutdowns destabilize societies and facilitate human rights abuses. The junta in Myanmar, which seized power in a coup in February 2021, has frequently blocked internet access, claiming it is necessary for maintaining stability and preventing disinformation.
During the 85 shutdowns in Myanmar last year, 31 coincided with human rights abuses, while 17 were linked to airstrikes on civilians. The junta has also enacted laws to suppress independent information, including a cybersecurity law banning Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) used to access blocked content. This ongoing repression has led to a resurgence in radio and print media as alternative sources of information.
