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Myanmar’s New Cyber Law: A Threat to Freedom, Says ASEAN Parliamentarians
Table of Contents
- 1. Myanmar’s New Cyber Law: A Threat to Freedom, Says ASEAN Parliamentarians
- 2. What specific steps can individuals take too support the people of Myanmar in the face of this new cybersecurity law?
- 3. Curbing Freedoms: An Interview with APHR on myanmar’s New Cyber Law
- 4. Mr. Santiago, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. APHR has been vocal in its criticism of myanmar’s new cybersecurity law. Can you explain the main reasons behind this concern?
- 5. Many fear this law will effectively shut down online civic space in myanmar. What evidence supports this concern?
- 6. How does this law contradict Myanmar’s own constitution?
- 7. What specific actions is APHR calling for to counter this law?
- 8. What message do you want to send to the people of Myanmar?
The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) has sounded the alarm about Myanmar’s newly enacted cyber security law, warning it constitutes a severe threat to fundamental freedoms and runs counter to the country’s constitution. The regional network of lawmakers from Southeast Asia sees the legislation as a cynical attempt by the military junta to quash dissent, restrict free expression, and violate the privacy of Myanmar’s citizens.
Due to take effect next week,the law grants sweeping powers to the military under the guise of national security. APHR argues that these provisions empower the regime to censor online discourse, dominate digital platforms, and impede access to independent data. The law also institutionalizes mass surveillance, undermining privacy and individual freedoms while impeding the work of pro-democracy advocates and civil society organizations striving for justice and accountability.
“The true purpose of this law is to eliminate any opposition to the regime and solidify its grip on power,” stated Mercy Chriesty Barends, APHR co-chairperson and a member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives.Barends underscored that the law contradicts Myanmar’s constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and privacy.”As parliamentarians committed to defending human rights,we stand unequivocally with the people of Myanmar and the activists,journalists,and civil society groups who are directly threatened by this oppressive measure,” she affirmed.
One of the most contentious aspects of the law is its criminalization of virtual private networks (VPNs), which are widely used to circumvent censorship and access independent information sources. APHR expresses deep concern that this measure is intended to tighten the junta’s control over online activities, fostering an atmosphere of fear and constant surveillance.
“this law’s demand for forced data handovers and invasive monitoring highlights the regime’s blatant disregard for both human rights and constitutional guidelines,” said Charles Santiago, APHR co-chairperson and former Malaysian lawmaker. Santiago emphasized that the legislation not only infringes upon the fundamental freedoms of Myanmar’s citizens but also erodes the rule of law by enacting measures that contradict constitutional protections.”This is nothing short of a formalisation of the junta’s escalating abuses,” he added.
APHR board member and Philippine lawmaker Arlene D Brosas has urged the immediate withdrawal of the proposed law, recalling that it was previously shelved due to widespread national and international opposition. She stresses that the current draft remains equally oppressive and necessitates urgent resistance from both regional and global communities.
If enacted, the law will significantly constrict Myanmar’s online civic space, threatening freedom of expression, association, and access to information. APHR maintains that its provisions are intentionally designed to expand state surveillance, silence dissent, and suppress political opposition. The group calls for a united and resolute response from the international community to counter this move.
The network of lawmakers has urged governments, media organizations, and human rights bodies to denounce the legislation and apply diplomatic pressure on Myanmar’s military regime to abandon it. “This draconian law must be repealed urgently,” stated Rangsiman Rome, APHR board member and Thai parliamentarian. He emphasized that Myanmar’s citizens deserve a future where their rights are upheld, their voices are heard, and their freedoms are protected. “Otherwise, this law will only further tighten the junta’s grip on power, suffocating freedoms and entrenching their illegitimate control over the country,” he concluded.
What specific steps can individuals take too support the people of Myanmar in the face of this new cybersecurity law?
Curbing Freedoms: An Interview with APHR on myanmar’s New Cyber Law
The ASEAN Parliamentarians for human Rights (APHR) has raised serious concerns about Myanmar’s new cybersecurity law, which critics say will severely restrict freedom of expression and access to information. In this interview,Charles santiago,APHR co-chairperson and a former Malaysian lawmaker,sheds light on the law’s implications and its potential impact on Myanmar’s already fragile democratic landscape.
Mr. Santiago, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. APHR has been vocal in its criticism of myanmar’s new cybersecurity law. Can you explain the main reasons behind this concern?
Thank you for having me. APHR sees this law as a thinly veiled attempt by the military junta to consolidate its grip on power and silence dissent. It grants sweeping powers to the regime under the guise of national security,allowing them to censor online discourse,control digital platforms,and even impeding the work of pro-democracy advocates and civil society organizations.
Many fear this law will effectively shut down online civic space in myanmar. What evidence supports this concern?
The law’s provisions are deeply troubling. It criminalizes the use of VPNs, tools widely used by Myanmar citizens to access information and circumvent censorship. It also mandates forced data handovers from companies, opening the door for mass surveillance and the targeting of individuals based on their online activity. This chilling effect on free speech is already being felt, and it will only intensify as the law takes effect.
How does this law contradict Myanmar’s own constitution?
Myanmar’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression and privacy. This law directly contradicts these fundamental rights. It effectively empowers the junta to violate the very principles enshrined in the country’s foundational legal document. This blatant disregard for the rule of law is further evidence of the junta’s authoritarianism.
What specific actions is APHR calling for to counter this law?
We are urging governments, media organizations, and human rights bodies around the world to condemn this law and apply diplomatic pressure on the Myanmar military regime to abandon it. The international community must speak out against this blatant assault on fundamental freedoms. We need immediate and collective action to protect the voices of the people of Myanmar.
What message do you want to send to the people of Myanmar?
We stand with the people of Myanmar in their struggle for democracy and human rights. Know that you are not alone in this fight. We will continue to raise our voices on your behalf, and we call on the international community to do the same. The fight for freedom and justice is a long one, but we will not give up.
