Digital resistance: Understanding and strengthening online activism in Myanmar looks at the role of digital platforms in sustaining the Spring Revolution, analyzing how censorship, trust, and activism interact in online spaces amid military repression.
By Thurein Lwin, Nyan Aye, Khit Tar, Aung Sett Paing and Aung Kyaw Soe
MYANMAR DIGITAL RESEARCH 18
Abstract
Since the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, the State Administration Council (SAC) has employed extensive measures to control digital spaces, aiming to suppress revolutionary movements. This includes internet shutdowns, social media restrictions, and the imposition of surveillance laws, which have instilled fear and led to widespread self-censorship among citizens. Despite these efforts, digital platforms continue to serve as vital tools for political engagement, awareness-building, and participation in the Spring Revolution.
This report synthesizes qualitative and empirical findings to assess the impact of digital repression on political participation and public perception. The analysis identifies key challenges, such as digital fatigue, surveillance concerns, and regulatory censorship, which have hindered activism. However, it also highlights opportunities for leveraging digital spaces more effectively in future political campaigns.
The report reveals that higher digital engagement often reduces activism due to fatigue and slacktivism, while trust in credible sources strongly boosts participation and donations. Regulatory censorship, while suppressing direct activism, can spark resistance and increase financial support, but excessive repression ultimately limits engagement. Awareness of digital rights and privacy risks encourages donations but leads to self-censorship, reducing overall activism.
In response to these challenges, the report offers several policy recommendations to strengthen digital activism.
To sustain and strengthen Myanmar’s revolutionary movement, organizations must enhance structural support, reduce reliance on voluntary labour, and establish long-term financial stability. Fundraising strategies should be revised to ensure secure, transparent contributions while adapting to digital platforms. Sustainable revenue models, including taxation in controlled areas, are essential to reduce dependency on public donations.
Building trust and credibility requires strategic media engagement to counter misinformation and skepticism. Inclusive public participation must be prioritized by creating meaningful engagement platforms beyond passive consumption. Additionally, activists and revolution forces should adopt stronger digital security measures to mitigate surveillance risks and safeguard online activities.
Despite the SAC’s efforts to stifle political movements, digital platforms remain a crucial tool for resistance. With strategic policy interventions, digital activism can continue to play a significant role in Myanmar’s political landscape, driving the momentum of the Spring Revolution forward and overcoming the barriers imposed by the regime.
Keywords: 2021 coup, political engagement, activism, digital activism, policy, digital rights, digital security, digital safety, privacy, Myanmar
This Myanmar Digital Research paper was produced for the Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative, with the aid of a grant from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and with support from The SecDev Foundation. Views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of either organization.
Over the next two years, over twenty papers in the Myanmar Digital Research series will have researchers within and in the Myanmar diaspora exploring how the digital world is shaping their social, political and economic crisis, bringing new insights into issues facing Myanmar citizens. See below for others available now.