Myanmar Riddled with Tension and Curiosity Post the New Cybersecurity Law

• Cybersecurity Law enacted by the Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council. 
• The Cybersecurity Law of Myanmar aims to bolster security and increase data privacy.
• Stress among locals and media increases due to the Cybersecurity Law that may curb VPN usage among other restrictions.

Amid tense situations due to the ongoing civil unrest, Myanmar’s military junta passed what it calls its Cybersecurity Law. Myanmar’s Cybersecurity Law has already garnered criticism for being pro-censorship from the media and experts.

Published in two parts over two days between 2nd and 3rd January 2025 on the government-owned newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar (GNLM), the Cybersecurity Law of Myanmar aims to ‘systematically develop cybersecurity services.’ Updates to the same will be made in the future respectively. 

The Myanmar government will form a dedicated committee to assign them various roles and responsibilities. The Union Government will appoint a secretary and a joint secretary at the central committee.

The committee is also expected to establish a National Digital Laboratory to follow cybersecurity guidelines and best practices on behalf of the government.

These are the objectives of the Cybersecurity Law enacted under Section 419 of the constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar:

1. To safely use any or all cyber resources, data related to the critical infrastructure, and all electronic information. 
2. To prevent online threats and protect the sovereignty of the nation.
3. To control and take action against cyberattacks.
4. To foster a better digital economic system. 

According to reports, this Cybersecurity Law of Myanmar confers extended powers to the ‘junta,’ which threatens free expression and data protection. Furthermore, the report added that the law allegedly eradicates the chances of independent review or investigation for fair remediation.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that enable users to access sites and data that are otherwise restricted in their region or nation are also tied to clear rules. 

Previous attempts to form a Cybersecurity Law for Myanmar have been unsuccessful and delayed, also involving skepticism from researchers and fear from the people. A leaked document termed the laws as the military’s attempts to reintroduce oppressive law.

The people of Myanmar, along with businesses and media houses, await the complete report on the application of the Cybersecurity Law.  

For nearly four years, the people of Myanmar have been struggling to find peace amid growing political tensions and civil unrest. Whether the Cybersecurity Law of Myanmar fulfills the vision of having robust cybersecurity or curbs free speech remains to be seen.