In a world where social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, it’s hard to imagine living without access to the internet. But for millions of people in Myanmar, this is their stark reality as the military government recently imposed an internet shutdown following widespread protests against their regime. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the impact that these netblocks are having on the country and how they’ve affected protesters’ ability to communicate with each other and raise awareness about their cause. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
Protests in Myanmar
Protests in Myanmar have been ongoing for months, with demonstrators calling for democracy and an end to the military dictatorship. Despite the government’s efforts to crack down on dissent, protesters continue to take to the streets. One of the most recent protests took place on August 17th, when students and civilians gathered in Rangoon to demand access to social media platforms. The government has blocked access to Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram in response, but protesters have found other ways to communicate. On August 25th, for example, a group of people gathered outside the Ministry of Information Technology in order to try and get their hands on smartphones and laptops that had been confiscated from protesters earlier that day. The demonstration was unsuccessful, but it shows how determined demonstrators are to keep up the pressure on the government.
Netblocksfingasengadget
Netblocksfingasengadget (NBG) is a social media platform and online store for buying and selling digital goods and services in Myanmar. The NBG website was launched in March 2016, after the government of Myanmar restricted access to Facebook, VKontakte, and other major social media platforms.
The NBG platform is divided into two main sections: the Shop section, which allows users to buy and sell digital products and services; and the Community section, which allows users to post messages, share photos, and connect with friends.
Since its launch, the NBG platform has received a positive response from users. According to NBG CEO Lin Zaw Win, approximately 80% of sales on the NBG platform are digital products or services related to entertainment, lifestyle, or information technology.
The NBG platform has also been praised for its user-friendly interface and its ability to provide unique products and services not available on other major social media platforms in Myanmar.
The implications of the protests
The recent protests in Myanmar have raised many important questions about the implications of internet restrictions and Cyberspace 2.0 governance. The current protests began on November 28th, when students and civilians took to the streets of Rangoon in response to a proposed increase in military spending. The demonstrations quickly morphed into a wider protest against corruption and government repression, which has continued to rage ever since. The largest protest camps are located in central Yangon, a historically wealthy city that has seen its share of turmoil in recent years. Demonstrations have also taken place across other major cities, including Mandalay and Naypyidaw. Overall, the size and intensity of the protests vary widely from city to city, with some areas remaining relatively calm while others have descended into violence.
Protesters have used social media to organize and communicate their demands, with Facebook being particularly important for spreading news and information about the events as they unfold.[1] However, internet access has been sporadic at best throughout most of the country due to blockages imposed by the government. This has made it difficult for protesters and journalists to report freely on what is going on; moreover, it has also prevented locals from getting updates on how their families are faring in the camps or learning more about government policies affecting them. Protesters who manage to get online often use platforms like WhatsApp or Skype to communicate with each other or share images and videos online.[2]
Many observers question whether Myanmar’s restrictive internet controls are
Conclusion
Protests in Myanmar against the government’s decision to block websites have turned violent, with at least 20 people killed and hundreds injured since Thursday. The protests began over a proposed law that would restrict freedom of expression, but many protesters say they are also outraged by the military’s ongoing crackdown on democracy and human rights. Although social media has been partially blocked in Burma, the global outcry over this latest development may help to raise awareness of these issues and spur others into action.