Myanmar crisis: Draft cybersecurity law sparks demonstrations over military coup

A draft cybersecurity law due to be implemented in Myanmar has w raised protests that it will be used to quash dissent rar than protect privacy. UNHRC has issued a statement urging country’s military leers to drop plan and end internet disruptions that have intensified since February 1. According to Associated Press, Matw Bugher, he of Asia program for group Article 19, said that draft law shows military’s intent to permanently undermine internet freedom in country. Bugher furr condemned plan along with Open Net Association and International Commission of Jurists. 

internet service providers and ors were given until February 15 to respond to proposed law. Sam Zarifi, International Commission of Jurists' secretary-general said that draft law is telling that controlling cyber is one of top priorities of Myanmar military, which seized power through an illegitimate coup d’état only last week. military is used to having total power in country, however, this time y have to face a population that has access to information and can communicate internally and externally, Zarifi said. 

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Furr, Jeff Paine, managing director of Asia Internet Coalition, said that bill would give military unprecedented power to censor citizens and violate ir privacy, contravening democratic rms and fundamental rights guaranteed under International law. He urged coup leers to consider potentially devastating impacts on Myanmar ecomy and people. rway’s Teler also said that it was facing “several dilemmas”. 

“Access to telecom services is essential for people to exercise ir basic right to freedom of opinion and expression, and to gain information. se services are also critical in ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and for ecomic opportunities," company said in a statement. 

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Draft cybersecurity law 

Following draft law, a group of 158 members of ngovernmental organisations also has released a statement protesting draft law. Opponents of draft law said that it calls for banning online anymity, removing content government deems unacceptable and punishing violations with criminal penalties. law also demands elimination of online comments considered to be misinformation or disinformation, that might cause hate or disrupt stability, and any comment that might violate any existing law. 

law would also require internet service providers to keep usernames, IP dresses and or personal data for up to three years. data has to be kept in a place designated by government. According to reports, internet service providers could face maximum prison sentences of three years and a fine for failing to comply with law's bro and vague provisions. proposal smacks of a legislative attempt to extend powers military h taken in an unlawful, anti-democratic coup, said Kyung Sin Park, executive director of Open Net Association. 

(With inputs from AP) 

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