Myanmar junta builds 'walled garden' of internet services

Banking apps go back online but the regime maintains its authoritative grip

20210428 myanmar internert

The junta has chosen a path that minimizes the impact of its internet restrictions while allowing it to maintain tight control on the flow of information. (Source photos by Reuters)

RORY WALLACE, contributing writer

YANGON -- Myanmar's junta has relaxed internet restrictions on selected business apps, signaling the return of an old censorship board that this time will control who can access what on their digital devices.

Some telcos have enabled internet access to banking and business mobile applications. Consumers using service providers such as state-run MPT can now access Office 365 email and messaging applications run by Microsoft as well as local banking applications. The junta has also recently lifted the nightly internet blackout for fiber-to-the-home providers.

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