Session
ARTICLE 19 ASIA
Ko Bos , Deputy Program Director -Red Flag Myanmar Yin Maung Project Coordinator EngageMedia (ASEAN)
Ko Bos , Deputy Program Director -Red Flag Myanmar Yin Maung Project Coordinator EngageMedia (ASEAN)
Organization's Website
Speakers
Ko Bos, Deputy Program Director -Red Flag Myanmar - The Red Flag is an independent organization founded by activists and academics advocating for digital rights in Myanmar. Their team focuses on research, social media monitoring, combating misinformation and disinformation, and promoting media and information literacy. There is no publicly available information indicating that The Red Flag is formally affiliated with any larger group or network. https://theredflagmedia.org/
Yin Maung, Project Coordinator EngageMedia (ASEAN) ngageMedia is a nonprofit organization established in 2005 that focuses on promoting digital rights, open and secure technology, and social issue documentaries across the Asia-Pacific region. They collaborate with independent filmmakers, technologists, and social movements to address critical social and environmental issues through video and technology. In addition to their independent initiatives, EngageMedia is a member of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), a global network dedicated to empowering and supporting organizations that utilize information and communication technologies for social justice and sustainable development. https://engagemedia.org/about/
Onsite Moderator
Svetlana Zens - ARTICLE 19 ASIA
Online Moderator
Svetlana Zens - ARTICLE 19 ASIA
Rapporteur
Svetlana Zens - ARTICLE 19 ASIA
SDGs
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: Our proposal directly aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing digital rights violations, cybersecurity threats, and corporate accountability in Myanmar’s ICT sector. Below is how our session contributes to specific SDG targets: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Target 9.C – Universal Access to ICT) The Myanmar military’s weaponization of digital infrastructure restricts internet access, freedom of expression, and civic engagement. Our session highlights the urgent need for secure, open, and inclusive digital spaces, advocating for regional policies that ensure universal access to reliable and affordable ICT services in ASEAN. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Target 16.10 – Public Access to Information and Protection of Fundamental Freedoms) The 2021 Cybersecurity Law and increased state surveillance in Myanmar severely undermine press freedom, digital rights, and civic engagement. This session will provide actionable recommendations for ASEAN and the international community to protect access to information, uphold fundamental rights, and prevent further weaponization of ICT infrastructure. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (Target 17.16 – Enhance Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development) Addressing Myanmar’s digital oppression and cybersecurity threats requires multilateral collaboration. This session fosters dialogue between civil society, the private sector, and regional policymakers, urging ASEAN, Norway (as IGF 2025 host), and global stakeholders to develop coordinated strategies for corporate due diligence, regulatory safeguards, and digital rights protection. By connecting digital governance, human rights, and regional security, our session ensures that Myanmar’s crisis does not set a dangerous precedent for authoritarian digital control across ASEAN.
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: Our proposal directly aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing digital rights violations, cybersecurity threats, and corporate accountability in Myanmar’s ICT sector. Below is how our session contributes to specific SDG targets: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Target 9.C – Universal Access to ICT) The Myanmar military’s weaponization of digital infrastructure restricts internet access, freedom of expression, and civic engagement. Our session highlights the urgent need for secure, open, and inclusive digital spaces, advocating for regional policies that ensure universal access to reliable and affordable ICT services in ASEAN. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Target 16.10 – Public Access to Information and Protection of Fundamental Freedoms) The 2021 Cybersecurity Law and increased state surveillance in Myanmar severely undermine press freedom, digital rights, and civic engagement. This session will provide actionable recommendations for ASEAN and the international community to protect access to information, uphold fundamental rights, and prevent further weaponization of ICT infrastructure. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (Target 17.16 – Enhance Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development) Addressing Myanmar’s digital oppression and cybersecurity threats requires multilateral collaboration. This session fosters dialogue between civil society, the private sector, and regional policymakers, urging ASEAN, Norway (as IGF 2025 host), and global stakeholders to develop coordinated strategies for corporate due diligence, regulatory safeguards, and digital rights protection. By connecting digital governance, human rights, and regional security, our session ensures that Myanmar’s crisis does not set a dangerous precedent for authoritarian digital control across ASEAN.
Format
Theater
Our 30-minute (to 45 mins) session will be structured to maximize expert insights while fostering meaningful engagement on Myanmar’s digital repression, cybersecurity threats, and ASEAN’s role in protecting digital rights. Session Breakdown (30 Minutes Total) Opening Remarks (3 Minutes) Brief overview of Myanmar’s cybersecurity crisis, digital rights violations, and implications for regional security. Introduction to session objectives and why ASEAN and the private sector must act now. Expert Lightning Presentations (10 Minutes, 3-4 Minutes Each) Speaker 1: Myanmar’s Cybersecurity Law – How it enables surveillance, censorship, and corporate complicity. Speaker 2: Regional and Global Impact – Cybercrime, digital authoritarianism, and risks to ASEAN countries. Speaker 3: Corporate Responsibility – The role of tech companies in Myanmar and responsible disengagement. Moderated Expert Interview (7 Minutes) Moderator asks direct questions to speakers on ASEAN’s digital policy, business accountability, and pathways for action. Topics include safe access to information, digital rights due diligence, and preventing corporate complicity. Q&A & Safe Discussion Space (7 Minutes) Audience members can submit questions anonymously (via chat or paper) to ensure a safe discussion environment. Discussion will focus on practical solutions and international collaboration. Closing & Key Recommendations (3 Minutes) Call to action for ASEAN, private sector actors, and the international community. Next steps for advocacy, policy engagement, and corporate accountability. This fast-paced, engaging session ensures actionable insights while respecting the sensitive nature of digital rights issues in Myanmar.
Our 30-minute (to 45 mins) session will be structured to maximize expert insights while fostering meaningful engagement on Myanmar’s digital repression, cybersecurity threats, and ASEAN’s role in protecting digital rights. Session Breakdown (30 Minutes Total) Opening Remarks (3 Minutes) Brief overview of Myanmar’s cybersecurity crisis, digital rights violations, and implications for regional security. Introduction to session objectives and why ASEAN and the private sector must act now. Expert Lightning Presentations (10 Minutes, 3-4 Minutes Each) Speaker 1: Myanmar’s Cybersecurity Law – How it enables surveillance, censorship, and corporate complicity. Speaker 2: Regional and Global Impact – Cybercrime, digital authoritarianism, and risks to ASEAN countries. Speaker 3: Corporate Responsibility – The role of tech companies in Myanmar and responsible disengagement. Moderated Expert Interview (7 Minutes) Moderator asks direct questions to speakers on ASEAN’s digital policy, business accountability, and pathways for action. Topics include safe access to information, digital rights due diligence, and preventing corporate complicity. Q&A & Safe Discussion Space (7 Minutes) Audience members can submit questions anonymously (via chat or paper) to ensure a safe discussion environment. Discussion will focus on practical solutions and international collaboration. Closing & Key Recommendations (3 Minutes) Call to action for ASEAN, private sector actors, and the international community. Next steps for advocacy, policy engagement, and corporate accountability. This fast-paced, engaging session ensures actionable insights while respecting the sensitive nature of digital rights issues in Myanmar.
Duration (minutes)
45
Description
Myanmar’s military junta has weaponized the ICT sector to entrench digital authoritarianism, severely restricting freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information. The 2021 Cybersecurity Law, combined with mandatory SIM card and IMEI registration, has enabled warrantless surveillance, data interception, and forced compliance from telecom providers. Military-aligned companies like Mytel and MPT grant the junta direct access to user data, leading to arrests, detentions, and suppression of dissent. The exit of Telenor and Ooredoo has left Myanmar’s telecom infrastructure under complete military control, increasing digital repression and enabling cross-border cyber threats, including cyber scams, forced labor in cyber slavery rings, and organized cybercrime.
At IGF 2025, our session will explore Myanmar’s escalating cybersecurity crisis and its implications for digital rights, access to the internet, and regional stability. Three expert speakers will assess:
The digital rights violations facilitated by Myanmar’s cybersecurity policies
The growing risks of cybercrime and cyber exploitation across ASEAN
Actionable recommendations for ASEAN and the international community
Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair in 2025, has a critical role in ensuring stronger digital rights protections, regional cyber norms, and corporate responsibility in conflict zones. It must push for human rights-centered ICT policies, robust due diligence frameworks, and structured civil society engagement. Norway’s role as IGF 2025 host provides an important platform for private sector accountability, leveraging its experience as Telenor’s home country, where corporate responses to Myanmar’s crisis were most transparent.
This session will include a 30-minute presentation, followed by a Q&A in a safe space to allow private discussions on sensitive topics. We urge ASEAN, the private sector, and global stakeholders to adopt a coordinated strategy that prevents Myanmar’s digital oppression from expanding into the region, ensures corporate transparency, and safeguards free and open internet access.
https://www.article19.org/engaging-tech-for-internet-freedom/
Audience members can submit questions anonymously (via chat or paper) to ensure a safe discussion environment.
Audience members can submit questions anonymously (via chat or paper) to ensure a safe discussion environment.