The Telecommunications Law was introduced in 2013 and since then it has been used repeatedly to restrict freedom of speech and expression. Defamation charges under Section 66 (d) of the law have been brought against reporters, politicians and social media users. Burma’s Parliament amended the Section 66 (d) in August 2017 but human rights groups see it as a disappointment as the law is still incompatible with international human rights law and standards and will continue to be used to limit freedom of speech in the country. Many people have been arrested for criticising the military, the government or merely posting on Facebook.

For example, in October 2015, Kachin activist Patrick Kum Jaa Lee was arrested for allegedly sharing a picture on Facebook of an unidentified person stepping on a photo of army Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail.

More information

“Burma: Repeal Section 66(d) of the 2013 Telecommunications Law,” by Human Rights Watch. 

“Telecommunications Law” by Burma Campaign UK

“Dashed Hopes, The Criminalization of Peaceful Expression in Myanmar” by Human Rights Watch