Myanmar’s junta shut down the internet for a second straight night, part of efforts to stem nationwide protests after it seized power from civilian leaders on Feb. 1.
The blackout came shortly after state-run MRTV said army chief Min Aung Hlaing approved changes to the telecommunications law cracking down on illegal activity online and allowing for harsher prison sentences for offenders. Authorities have sought to disrupt telephone and internet access to prevent demonstrators from organizing while also granting themselves new powers to intercept communications and detain dissidents.
Protests continued on Tuesday in defiance of a ban on public gatherings imposed after the coup. The junta is scheduled to give its first press briefing since it took power later on Tuesday, while the U.S. Ambassador to Myanmar Thomas Vajda plans to host a virtual town hall for American citizens.
According to a copy of the amended telecommunications law seen by Bloomberg News, anyone found guilty of perpetuating a cyber-attack to threaten national sovereignty or unity may now face up to five years in prison and fines of as much 30 million kyat (about $22,570). Those who commit such attacks to hurt Myanmar’s relationship with other countries face even stiffer penalties, up to seven years in prison and a 50 million kyat fine.
Those found guilty of spreading fake news or hoaxes online to cause public panic, or publishing private information of another individual without their permission, meanwhile face up to three years in prison and fines of as much as 5 million kyat.
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