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THREAD: Myanmar protests & online activism
Let’s look at the role the internet and more specifically -social media- is playing in 2021 compared to 2007. Is the internet the Tatmadaw’s greatest threat? And is it about to come under further attack? 1/6 #HearTheVoiceOfMyanmar
Let’s look at the role the internet and more specifically -social media- is playing in 2021 compared to 2007. Is the internet the Tatmadaw’s greatest threat? And is it about to come under further attack? 1/6 #HearTheVoiceOfMyanmar
2007: Myanmar had just two service providers and just 1% of the population had regular access to internet, according to information published by the NYT and Guardian at the time. When the military pulled the plug to stifle unrest it was much easier and largely a success. 2/6
2007: It became difficult to smuggle grainy mobile phone images to the world but not impossible- some were sent in secret at Internet cafes or sent from neighbouring countries. This image is from Burma VJ - a film covertly shot by video journalists in the country at the time. 3/6
2021: the military has disrupted services to a near blackout twice since Feb 01 and it’s blocked access to Facebook where a staggering 25 million people source news and information. But the military know they are up against a new generation of digital warriors. 
4/6
4/6
2021: There has been a 7,200% increase in the demand for VPN according to @top10vpn and Virtual Private Networks mean citizens can bypass the blockades and continue activism online. There’s also been a surge to platforms other than Facebook - like here on Twitter. Hello 
5/6
5/6
RIGHT NOW: There is fear the military will tighten its grip on the internet & replicate the scenario in neighbouring China. I’m yet to verify reports of this but if true it would make it harder for VPNs - but there’s always a way. See advice from a blogger currently in China 6/6
