An ecosystem of digital repression: The silencing of women human rights defenders and other pro democracy activists in Myanmar

Executive Summary

Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has witnessed an alarming escalation in digital repression. The military junta has imposed internet shutdowns, deployed surveillance technologies and weaponised legal tools to silence dissent.

These tactics have disproportionately affected human rights defenders (HRDs), particularly women human rights defenders (WHRDs), who are subject to harassment and threats both online and offline and persecuted through the criminalisation of free speech.

This study, conducted by the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) in collaboration with and support from the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), draws on a combination of desk research, case analysis and interviews. It documents and analyses the experiences of WHRDs and other pro-democracy activists to understand the lived realities of digital repression and gender-based violence under the military regime, while also integrating the insights of legal experts to clarify the legal context and implications of these violations.

Key Findings

The research reveals that after the February 2021 coup in Myanmar1 there have been various forms of digital repression, including surveillance, internet shutdowns and the amendment and enactment of laws affecting digital and internet rights. We refer to this as an “ecosystem” of digital repression, where all of these strategies are interdependent and work symbiotically to silence online dissent. This ecosystem has a differential impact on WHRDs in Myanmar. The research identified several forms of digital repression affecting them, including restrictions of free speech online, doxxing and sexual harassment through digital platforms such as Telegram. Internet shutdowns, meanwhile, have delayed vital support for women in need. The junta has also invaded the privacy of detained activists by downloading private photos off their phones and sharing them widely in an attempt to degrade and humiliate them. Moreover, we found that

WHRDs who exposed cases of gender-based violence within the pro-democracy movement have been accused of attempting to undermine or discredit the revolution. Our findings show that the hostile digital environment has led to widespread self-censorship and what could be called the “digital disappearance” of women – those who choose to leave digital spaces due to the threats. Faced with constant surveillance, criminalisation and severe online harassment, many women defenders and activists are forced to withdraw from public and digital life to protect their safety and mental well-being. Many live in a constant state of uncertainty and fear, distrusting the digital technologies they rely on and that are necessary for their work.

The research provides critical evidence of the gendered nature of digital repression in Myanmar. The findings highlight the urgent need for protection and meaningful support for WHRDs and others who are on the frontlines of resistance.

Key Recommendations

The report’s recommendations urge regional and international actors, including United Nations bodies, international organisations, the donor community, civil society organisations and tech companies to take coordinated action. This includes providing digital security training and tools to WHRDs, supporting safe and secure communication in the context of the surveillance state and funding psychosocial support for survivors of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). They also call for accountability measures against companies enabling surveillance and biometric data collection in Myanmar.

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