According to the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP), press freedom in Myanmar has deteriorated throughout 2024, mirroring a decline in internet freedom. This observation was highlighted in MIP’s report, “The State of Digital Repression in Myanmar During 2024.”
The military junta imposed internet blackouts in at least 81 townships during 2024, particularly in areas with intensified military conflicts and regions under its control. This includes almost all townships the junta lost to opposing forces.
Although internet and press freedom are fundamental human rights, restrictions on phones and internet lines have left citizens struggling with communication and access to online information. This suppression has resulted in one of the lowest levels of free expression in recent history, noted an official from MIP.
“When the internet is shut down, phone lines are disconnected, and access to social media platforms is blocked, it effectively curtails internet freedom. These restrictions deprive the public of their right to information. Furthermore, the military junta arbitrarily arrests journalists and shuts down media outlets, directly suppressing press freedom,” the official said.
The official urged the public to prepare for such situations by relying on print media, radio, and satellite internet as alternatives to maintain access to information.
The MIP official added that digital freedoms were severely eroded between 2021 and 2024, and the introduction of the Cybersecurity Law in early 2025 is expected to further restrict both digital and press freedom.
The report revealed that, beyond the deterioration in press freedom in 2024, three journalists lost their lives, and at least four were detained while working for local and international media outlets.
“The killing of journalists while performing their duties reflects a disregard for press freedom. Such conditions weaken the ability of free media to provide accurate and reliable information that serves the public interest. It also fosters an environment where authoritarianism thrives, undermining societal well-being,” the MIP official continued.
Despite protests from the Independent Press Council of Myanmar (IPCM) over the deaths and lengthy prison sentences of journalists, the junta has made no effort to address these concerns.
Since the military coup, over 170 journalists have been arrested, and 44 remain in detention. Additionally, the junta has revoked the licenses of 15 media organizations.
Myanmar remains among the 10 countries where press freedom is most heavily suppressed.
