more people are gaining access to the Internet.
It is now regarded as an effective tool
for open communications and promoting a global economy.
According to the Internet World Statistics, 58% of Southeast Asians access the Internet.
In Myanmar, 33% of our people are Internet users.
Globally, more people are using the internet to access social media.
From 28.7% in 2010, the number of users worldwide increased to 54.4% in 2018.
In 2013, the government created a new telecommunications law, aiming to develop
modern electronic communication platforms with new telcos
that will build sustainable tech for Myanmar.
However, Article 66(D)
is used to condemn dissent
instead of securing free communications.
In Myanmar, using Facebook is the main internet activity
to share stories and opinions with friends and family.
Yet, the Myanmar people,
who are expressing diverse views online,
are now prone to defamation cases
with the existence of the ambiguous Article 66(D)
of the Telecoms Law.
What is Article 66(D)?
It is a criminal provision that penalises people
who are extorting, defaming, disturbing or threatening
any person using any telecom network.
Anyone found guilty will face a jail term not exceeding two years,
or pay a fine of not more than 1 million kyats (US$700), or both.
Given the gravity of its sanctions, the article does not protect anyone
against malicious claims.
Contrary to government claims,
the law has not been used to support tech development.
Instead, itâ€™s been used as a weapon to suppress the voices of the people.
Under the current government, 82% of 66(D) cases against civilians
were by government and state officials.
The same trend was observed in the previous government.
More than half of these cases were filed by the police and military,
whose actions were met with protests.
The majority of the accused were political party members,
journalists,
religious people,
human rights activists and artists.
Together, let us assert our right to a free and open internet.
Let us abolish Article 66(D)!
The rest of the cases under 66(D)
were against ordinary citizens like you and I.
It can target anyone, anytime.
Our freedom of expression should and will not be trampled by one article.
Let us bring real democracy to Myanmar by abolishing 66(D)!