MPW urges international action over widespread internet blackouts in Myanmar

By Admin 26 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

26 February 2026, Taungup

As intense fighting continues between the military regime and revolutionary forces across Myanmar, residents in several resistance-controlled areas are facing prolonged internet blackouts, effectively cutting off access to information and restricting freedom of expression.

Myanmar Prison Witness (MPW) has called on the international community to take effective action against what it describes as widespread human rights violations.

Since the 2021 military coup, internet services have been cut in 132 townships across multiple states and regions, including Arakan, Chin, Kayah, Kachin, Mon, Shan, Magway and Sagaing.

MPW said Chin State and Sagaing Region have experienced the longest disruptions, with blackouts lasting up to 52 months.

A woman in Arakan State said communication breakdowns have severed contact with family members abroad and left residents without access to essential information, including commodity prices.

“Traveling to a place with a signal is expensive and often unsuccessful due to travel restrictions. Because we cannot check current market prices, we are forced to buy goods at inflated rates, even when we know we are being overcharged,” said a woman in Taungup.

MPW said that since seizing power, the military regime has systematically violated the public’s right to information by raiding media offices, cracking down on protests, carrying out arbitrary arrests, and imposing prolonged internet shutdowns.

Citing data from the advocacy group ATHAN, MPW reported that 279 journalists have been arrested amid the information blockade. Of them, 30 remain in detention and five have been killed.

Human rights activists said the lack of access to information has heightened the risks posed by the military’s frequent airstrikes on civilian areas.

“Without internet access, people cannot receive timely warnings, making it more difficult to avoid airstrikes. Often, they only realize a plane is overhead when it is already above them. This communication breakdown directly contributes to the rising death toll,” said an Arakanese human rights activist.

Local social welfare organizations also reported challenges in delivering timely assistance to emergency areas due to communication disruptions.

While some resistance-controlled areas provide limited access to Starlink internet services, connections remain unstable due to the threat of junta airstrikes and broader security concerns.