Myanmar military tightens grip on internet with VPN crackdown

Facebook usage drops as businesses face disruption risk

20241112N Myanmar crackdown

Facebook usage in Myanmar tumbled from 84% in January to just 10% in September. © AP

Nikkei staff writers

BANGKOK/YANGON -- Internet and social media access is plunging in Myanmar as the military government blocks virtual private networks, creating another pitfall for people and businesses in the conflict-torn nation.

Many VPNs -- which allow users to avoid censorship and monitoring of their online activities -- stopped working in Myanmar in late May. Nonprofit organization Justice For Myanmar has blamed Chinese companies for supporting the military regime's surveillance program.

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