In brief
Reports indicate that a substantial 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, yet the information flowing from the region remains scarce due to the military's severe internet censorship tactics that have been in play since the 2021 coup.
Following the significant earthquake that ravaged central Myanmar on Friday, the aftermath has been characterized by an alarming absence of reliable information. Initially recorded at 12:50 p.m. local time, the quake registered a magnitude of 7.7 and was felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand. However, while social media exploded with posts and videos documenting the damage in Thailand, access to similar information from Myanmar has been hindered by the military junta's tight grip on the internet.Restrictions have blocked many social media platforms and resulted in communication blackouts, severely isolating the nation from the outside world. The military, which assumed control following a coup in 2021, has been known to disable telecommunications networks to suppress dissent against its rule. The blockade extends to news outlets, which are currently struggling with connectivity issues, making it difficult for urgent and accurate information to emerge.Joe Freeman, a researcher with Amnesty International, pointed out that the discrepancy in information coverage between Thailand and Myanmar is stark. In regions where junta authorities clash with rebel groups, internet reliability diminishes even further. Some areas turn to the satellite-based service Starlink for internet access as a workaround.Officials within the junta themselves have been grappling with internet issues post-earthquake, as multiple government-controlled websites were rendered inaccessible following the disaster. This further complicates efforts to assess the situation and respond to the needs of local populations affected by both the quake and the ensuing internet blackouts.The situation stands in inescapable contrast to the pre-coup era when a burgeoning population of online users shared extensive information, memes, and engagement through social media during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of such challenges, it is uncertain when a clearer picture of the earthquake's impact in Myanmar will emerge.
