Myanmar regime uses Chinese tech to surveil internet users, report says

VPN ban worsens repression and further sours the country's business environment

Myanmar's military regime has accessed Chinese equipment, technology and support in its efforts to spy on internet users and censor the internet. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by AP, Reuters and Ken Kobayashi)

THOMPSON CHAU, Contributing writer

June 27, 2024 15:01 JST

CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- Myanmar's military regime is employing Chinese technology to surveil the internet, a sign that the generals are stepping up efforts to counter widespread resistance to their rule.

Research and activist group Justice For Myanmar has accused Chinese company Geedge Networks and state-owned China National Electronics Import and Export Corporation (CEIEC) of creating the regime's digital surveillance and censorship program.