Financial Crime World

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Myanmar’s Cybersecurity Law Threatens Digital Freedom and Rights

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The State Administrative Council (SAC) has circulated a draft Cyber Security Law that could severely restrict online freedoms and impose harsh penalties on individuals and businesses. The proposed law has sparked international concern, with multiple countries and intergovernmental organizations expressing alarm over the potential implications.

Key Provisions of the Draft Law

  • Establishes a National Digital Laboratory to support cybersecurity services and standards
  • Authorizes the Central Committee to set policies, rules, and regulations for online financial services
  • Imposes harsh penalties on individuals and businesses, including imprisonment and fines

Restrictions on Online Freedoms

  • Article 35(f) requires the removal of expressions that damage an individual’s social standing and livelihood in local cyberspace
  • Article 96 prescribes a one to two-year imprisonment for sharing sexually explicit content
  • Allows for judicial oversight-free checks and takeovers of online businesses, deletion of content, blocking of digital platforms like Facebook and Instagram

Concerns from International Organizations

  • The Asia Internet Coalition expressed concern over the undermining of user privacy, limitation of freedom of expression, and burdens on domestic and foreign businesses
  • A joint statement by US, EU, Australian, British, French, German, Greek, and Italian Chambers of Commerce in Myanmar and the US ICT Council for Myanmar, and Myanmar Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (PEVCA) also expressed deep concern over the draft law’s potential to disrupt freedom of information
  • The development of this draft law has been linked to the ongoing political conflict in Myanmar
  • Since January 2022, more than 200 people have been arrested for social media posts supporting the opposition
  • The use of VPNs at checkpoints may also result in detention

International Response

  • Intergovernmental organizations and individual countries are urged to continue monitoring the development of this draft law and respond with action-oriented approaches to address regional peace and security concerns.

In conclusion, Myanmar’s Cybersecurity Law poses a significant threat to digital freedom and rights. Its provisions, if implemented, could have severe implications for online freedoms, businesses, and individuals. It is essential that international organizations and countries continue to express concern over this draft law and advocate for the protection of human rights in the digital age.