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Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Sector and Digital Rights
In 2014-2015, MCRB and IHRB undertook a sector-wide impact assessment (SWIA) of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector. This SWIA, published in September 2015, was intended to support responsible business practices in this growing sector of Myanmar’s economy.
A SWIA is a forward-looking assessment that aims to contribute to preventing and minimising the sector’s negative impacts as well as strengthening and improving the sector’s positive impacts.
The SWIA was undertaken at a time when the roll-out of new ICT infrastructure and services in Myanmar was having a transformative impact on the country, with mobile phone penetration having increased from 7% to 33% between 2012 and 2014, reaching a high of 154% in 2019 before falling. However, the headlong rush to improve access to ICT services brought challenges, in the absence of adequate policy and legal frameworks. This particularly concerning privacy and lawful interception (surveillance), cybersecurity, freedom of expression including online “hate speech” and “fake news”, and access to information, including internet shutdown.
These potential ‘on-line’ risks to human rights in the form of gaps and uncertainties in the policy and legal frameworks, particularly the 2013 Telecommunications Law, were identified in the SWIA. Many of them materialised in the ensuing decade.
In addition to general recommendations to government, companies, civil society, development partners, investors, and ICT users, MCRB and IHRB developed recommendations for A Rights-Respecting Lawful Interception Framework as an Annex to the SWIA. The Linked Initiatives supplement outlined other organisations’ initiatives relating to ICT and human rights in Myanmar at the time of the SWIA in 2015.
Following the SWIA, MCRB worked with other NGOs active on digital rights in Myanmar, including Free Expression Myanmar, Phandeeyar and Myanmar ICT Development Organisation (MIDO) to establish an annual Myanmar Digital Rights Forum (MDRF). The Forum aimed to promote an ongoing multistakeholder dialogue on freedom of expression, privacy, access to information and digital literacy and inclusion, and to widen the circle of organisations engaged on these issues. The MDRF was held in in 2016, 2018, 2019 and February 2020. With MDRF partners, MCRB regularly campaigned after 2019 against internet shutdown in Rakhine and Chin State.
Since 2022, the Myanmar Sustainable Business Network (MSBN) undertakes events and shares resources on digital literacy and digital rights, aiming to increase and maintain awareness.
Privacy issues and recommendations related to closed circuit TV (CCTV) were included in MCRB’s 2022 Baseline Assessment of Private Security Companies. As part of MCRB’s work on disability inclusion, the use of assistive technologies was covered in an online event in 2021.
Several policy briefs were developed in 2019 to build and update the analysis of the SWIA.
Additionally MCRB pursued advocacy towards government and Parliament relating to the Universal Service Strategy, Telecoms Masterplan, and the evolving legal framework relating to defamation (Article 66d), privacy, cybersecurity, e-commerce, e-government, internet gateway services and SIM Card registration (links below).
In 2022 MCRB made inputs to the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights on the practical application of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) to the activities of technology companies, and on the right to privacy in the digital age. These summarised MCRB’s experienced of the previous decade of working on these issues in Myanmar.
Information about MCRB’s activity in the ICT sector during the period 2013-2024:
Myanmar Sustainable Business Network provides input to UN Global Digital Compact consultations
MSBN, a partnership between MCRB, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Myanmar and Yever, has submitted input to the consultations by the UN Global Digital Compact (UNGDC) highlighting digital rights priorities...
MCRB Submits Input to OHCHR on the Right to Privacy in the Digital Age
MCRB has made an input into a report on the right to privacy in the digital age which is being undertaken by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. MCRB’s inputs reflect its experience of working on digital rights in Myanmar since 2014.
MCRB Submits Input to OHCHR on the Practical Application of the UNGPs to the Tech Sector
MCRB has made an input to the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights concerning the High Commissioner’s report on the practical application of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to the activities of technology companies.
Update on Draft Cybersecurity Law and its Impacts on Digital Rights and the Digital Economy
MCRB, together with other stakeholders, is concerned about the latest amendments to the draft Cybersecurity Law circulated by the Ministry of Transport and Communications on 13 January 2022.
Myanmar’s Legal Framework For Cybersecurity Needs To Be Built To International Standards
On 15 February 2021, the State Administration Council (SAC) adopted an amendment to the 2004 Electronic Transactions Law (as amended 2014) which added an aim of ‘protecting personal data’ to the existing law.
Why Data Protection Matters: Know what you share!
Today, 28 January, many countries across the world are celebrating Data Privacy Day. Myanmar is not yet one of them.
MCRB Provided Comments on Draft E-commerce Strategy for Myanmar and Draft eCommerce Guidelines 2020
MCRB welcomes the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce and UNCTAD to conduct an open dialogue between the stakeholders. It is a positive move towards reaching a comprehensive and timely, important set of directions.
Recorded discussion panel: "In Privacy and Data Protection We Trust!"
On the 21st of October, under the umbrella of the Myanmar Cybersecurity Month 2020 # #BeCyberSmart campaign, MCRB hosted an online discussion on Privacy and Data Protection and touched base on digital rights and privacy issues in Myanmar.
MDRF calls for the end of the 2G digital blackout
The partners of the Myanmar Digital Rights Forum including MCRB have issued a joint statement calling on the Myanmar Government to restore 3G and 4G internet services in seven townships.
Joint Submission on Freedom of Expression for Myanmar’s Second Universal Periodic Review
MCRB has joined 12 other organisations in submitting a report to the UN Human Rights Council covering issues relating to freedom of expression, information and assembly in Myanmar, ahead of Myanmar’s second Universal Periodic Review.
End The World’s Longest Internet Shutdown – Now Entering Its Second Year
MCRB and its partners in the Myanmar Digital Rights Forum including Free Expression Myanmar (FEM), Myanmar ICT Development Organization (MIDO) and Phandeeyar, together with local and international organizations on 21 June issued a joint statement...
MCRB Joins Call to Lift Internet Shutdown and End Website Blocking that Fails the ‘Three Part Test’
On 2 April, a coalition of organisations active in promoting digital rights and freedom of expression issued a statement on the recent website-blocking directives from government to telecoms operators.
Imagine Spending a Day Without Data!
MCRB, together with its partners from the Myanmar Digital Rights Forum, have launched the countdown to “Myanmar Internet Blackout Day 101”.
Lift the Restrictions on Internet Access
MCRB has issued a bilingual statement on the current internet shutdown in nine townships in Rakhine and Chin State, together with Freedom of Expression Myanmar (FEM), Myanmar ICT Development Organisation (MIDO) and Phandeeyar...
MCRB provides initial comments to government on the draft cybersecurity framework, and discusses cybersecurity with MPs
MCRB and other business and civil society stakeholders with an interest in cybersecurity were invited to Naypyidaw on 25 January to participate in a consultation hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Communication (MoTC).
Third Myanmar Digital Rights Forum Kicks Off With a Call to Counter Fake News
The third Myanmar Digital Rights Forum began today in Yangon, bringing together 240 participants from across the world with an interest or expertise in freedom of expression, privacy and access to information.
Myanmar Needs a People-Centred Cybersecurity Framework Including Data Protection to Benefit from the Digital Economy
MCRB contributed to a seminar organised by Telenor on ‘Privacy and Data Protection in the Digital Age’ on 27 August in Naypyidaw.
MCRB Submits Comments on Draft Universal Service Strategy for Telecommunications
MCRB has provided a response to the consultation by the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications on the draft Universal Service Strategy (closing date 12 February).
MCRB Participates in Southeast Asia Digital Rights Camp
Wai Phyo Myint, MCRB’s Regional Outreach Manager, together with eight other participants from civil society organisations and media in Myanmar, participated in the Southeast Asia Digital Rights Camp in Yogjakarta, Indonesia from 22-26 October, 2017.
MCRB joins Coalition for Telecom Law Reform on Advocacy Trip to Naypyidaw
On 22 June, Wai Phyo Myint, MCRB’s Regional Outreach Manager and another 10 organisations representing the 22 organisations in the Coalition for Telecoms Law Reform and the Abolition of Article 66(d) visited Naypyidaw.
Lack of Consultation on the Citizens Privacy and Security Law is a Missed Opportunity
MCRB has joined eight civil society organisations in a statement expressing dismay that the recently adopted Citizens Privacy and Security Law is inconsistent with international human rights norms and definitions.
Consultation Workshop on Telecoms Universal Service Strategy Highlights Need for Telecom User Input
Post and Telecommunications Department (PTD), with the assistance of the international consulting firm, Intelecon, is developing a Universal Service Strategy (USS), framework for Universal Service Funding mechanism and pilot projects.
Myanmar Stakeholders Call for Consultation on Draft Privacy and Security Law
On 14/15 December, MCRB co-organised Myanmar’s first Digital Rights Forum together with Phandeeyar: Myanmar Innovation Lab, Myanmar ICT for Development Organization (MIDO), and Engage Media with the support of The Embassy of Sweden.
A Reformed Telecoms Law is Needed to Protect Freedom of Speech and Privacy
MCRB has been working with other civil society organisations to identify specific reforms needed to address weaknesses in the protection of the right to freedom of expression and privacy in laws.
MCRB submits comments on the draft Privacy and Security Protection Law
MCRB has submitted comments to the Hluttaw on the draft Privacy and Security Protection Law which is currently under discussion in the Hluttaw.
The Challenge of Criminalising Hate Speech
Since Myanmar’s landmark election in November 2015, the National League for Democracy government has publicly condemned the use of so-called hate speech on several occasions and indicated that a new law may be drafted to tackle the problem.
How social media became Myanmar’s hate speech megaphone
There's a dark side to Myanmar’s recent internet revolution.
Revenge Porn on the Rise
Privacy violations involving revenge pornography are on the rise in Myanmar but seeking legal remedy can be a daunting experience for victims.
MCRB’s Work on ICT and Human Rights in Myanmar is Helping to Shape Global Practice
The research and findings from the pioneering Sector-Wide Impact Assessment (SWIA) on the Information and Communication Technology sector in Myanmar is being used to help shape approaches at the global level.
MCRB Responds to the Myanmar Government’s Consultation on Internet Gateway Services
MCRB has provided input into the Government consultation on Internet gateway services, (Deadline 31 January) with comments focussed on the privacy aspects of the proposal.
Kamayut Media Interviews Vicky Bowman about Launch of ICT SWIA
Local online media channel, Kamayut Media interviews Vicky Bowman about the launch of the ICT Sector Wide Impact Assessment on 24 September
As Technologies Transform Myanmar, Online and Offline Human Rights Need Protection
MCRB and IHRB and DIHR today publish a sector-wide impact assessment (SWIA) on the information and communications technology (ICT) sector in Myanmar.
Stakeholder Risk in ICT Sector
Vicky Bowman gave a keynote analysis at Myanmar Connect 2015 in Naypyidaw on 16 September. Her presentation focussed on the stakeholder risks for the ICT sector during the coming six months before and after Myanmar’s election on 8 November.
Civil Society dissects draft Telecoms Plan
This article was originally published in the Myanmar Times on September 8, 2015.
Access marks up the Myanmar government’s telecom “Masterplan”
Since 2011, Myanmar has embarked on an ambitious plan to get most of its population online, and is succeeding beyond the expectations of the few foreign telecom companies operating there. Yet the country still faces acute problems.
Summary of Consultation Meetings on the Draft Myanmar ICT Sector-Wide Impact Assessment
MCRB held consultations on a draft sector-wide impact assessment on Myanmar's ICT sector on the 17th and 18th June 2015 in Yangon and 22nd June in London.
Comments on the draft Myanmar Telecommunications Master Plan
MCRB has submitted comments on the draft Myanmar Telecommunications Master Plan covering issues such as transparency, universal access and service, data privacy and responsible business conduct.
ICTs and Elections: Challenges for Freedom of Expression
On June 19th 2015, MCRB hosted a presentation on ICTs and Elections: Challenges for Freedom of Expression. The session addressed the benefits that ICTs can bring to elections, such as stimulating debate, the exchange of ideas and increased participation.
MCRB and MIDO
MCRB and Myanmar ICT for Development Organisation (MIDO) have written to H.E. U Thaung Tin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).
Rights, Safety at Risk Without Lawful Interception Rules
Myanmar is among the fastest-growing telecommunications markets in the world. However, a key part of Myanmar’s telecommunications legal framework has yet to be finalised: rules governing the interception of communications by law enforcement.
Digital Dangers, and what they mean for Myanmar
Salill Tripathi spoke in Yangon on ‘Digital Dangers’, the risks ICT companies face when, intended or not, they act in ways that lead to human rights abuses, sometimes due to their actions, sometimes complying with government requests or orders.
MCRB Begins Field Research for ICT SWIA
The Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB) has completed initial scoping and research in preparation for the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Sector-Wide Impact Assessment (SWIA).
Scoping the Sector-Wide Impacts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
MCRB has started work on scoping and research on its next sector-wide-impact assessment (SWIA) on ICT, to be conducted over the next six months. Lucy Purdon, Programme Support Manager (ICT) at IHRB recently visited Myanmar to train the new SWIA Team.
MCRB facilitates discussion between Ericsson and civil society groups
On 21 July, MCRB facilitated a discussion in Yangon between Swedish telecoms company Ericsson and around 20 representatives of trade unions and civil society organisations who have a focus on business and human rights issues such as land, community engage
MCRB calls for Further Consideration of the Impacts of Requiring SIM Card Registration in Myanmar
MCRB has responded to the Myanmar government’s public consultation on a Code of Practice for Mobile Customer Registration. The Centre welcomes the transparent consultation process.
Proposed Rules for the Telecommunications Sector
MCRB submitted comments to the Myanmar Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) on 4 December 2013 on the Proposed Rules for the Telecommunications Sector in response to the public consultation.
