Earthquake disrupts Myanmar internet and surveillance ops
Military’s internet control weakened as quake hits Myanmar’s digital infrastructure.
A powerful earthquake in Myanmar has significantly disrupted the junta’s cyber operations, severely damaging the National Cyber Security Center and a major e-Government data hub in Naypyitaw.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications confirmed that repairs are underway, though many internet services in quake-affected areas remain unstable.
According to the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), the damage could weaken the military regime’s ability to monitor and suppress dissent online.
The National Cyber Security Center, which played a central role in tracking online activity and orchestrating arrests via surveillance tools, was among the worst-hit sites. Thousands of communication stations were also damaged, with less than half restored so far.
The quake has also taken down several junta ministry websites and left staff in Naypyitaw facing harsh living conditions. With Myanmar recording the highest number of internet shutdowns globally in 2024, activists fear the regime will attempt to regain control, but the full extent of the digital disruption may be greater than reported.
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