By Ma Ma - Jun 14, 2024

People are having concerns as the army is checking the usage of VPN application and extorting money.

As social networks and other websites are blocked by technology in the country, people often have difficulty accessing the Internet that leads the use of VPN applications.

People in Myanmar have to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that hides the phone network and internet address tracking.

"We’re anxious. Actually, I can use whatever with my phone that I bought with my own money. Now that I don't have internet access, using a VPN is committing a crime. I'm seeing news that say people who caught using VPN are charged. It's really a country we shouldn't live in anymore," said a private employee.

Currently, the Junta is drafting a law on cyber security, and it is designed to impose prison terms, fines, or both for using VPNs without permission.

"Even if they would stipulate a law, they have to educate first. Now everyone doesn't know whether the law exist or not. Their personals are extorting money. Yesterday, an acquaintance warned me to delete VPN in my phone when I was going to a prison visit. They don’t actually check there but I fell that we are not safe,” said a prison visitor. 

People who used motorcycles, triads and battery bikes are treated like committing a crime in the regime and those properties are confiscated, and now the use of cell phones is being controlled.

"I thought they were checking for drugs, sticks, knives, and weapons, and I saw 2 military vehicles and people look like thugs. They searched our bags and checked our phones. Then they found VPNs, and I have 4 of them. One cost for 5,000 kyats fine, so I gave 20,000 kyats," said a person who was extorted.

Previously, such surprise checks were carried out in industrial zones, but currently they are being checked in most townships in Yangon such as front of the bus station and factories and also extorting money from the people.