Faizel Patel – 08/02/2021
Myanmar’s junta has reportedly ordered all internet service providers to block access to social media platform Facebook in the country in a bid to quash public opposition to the military coup.
Myanmar’s military took power and declared a state of emergency last week after detaining civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior government officials.
This comes after a series of early morning raids that followed days of escalating tension over the outcome of the November election in which the ruling party won by a landslide.
The Financial Times reports that human rights groups condemned the move as a blunt manoeuvre to shut down the flow of information in a country where the social media platform is used by millions as a primary portal for news, commerce and communication.
Facebook says it is aware that access to the platform is currently disrupted for some people.
“We urge authorities to restore connectivity so that people can communicate with their families and friends and access important information.”
Norway’s Telenor, which operates one of Myanmar’s four main telecoms companies says all mobile operators, international gateways and internet service providers received a directive on Wednesday from Myanmar’s transport and communications ministry to block Facebook until 7 February.
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