Junta bans usage of VPN applications

June 10, 2024

HURFOM: Since the attempted coup on February 1st, 2021, the military council restricted people’s right to information and free speech. The junta banned people from using social media platforms and interrupted the flow of information.

In order to have access to social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, people have to use a VPN – Virtual Private Network application.

On May 29th, 2024, the junta announced a ban on the usage of VPN for members of the public. The junta claimed people were misusing social media platforms to spread false and fake news related to gold price and exchange rate of foreign currencies.

Multiple sources reported to HURFOM they had huge difficulties accessing social media platforms on May 30, 2024.

“It looks like the time of the early attempted coup. We can use none of the VPN applications. Most popular VPN applications don’t work. If an application works, it’s just for 30 minutes,” said a young man.

The military junta controls all domestic news agencies. People have to rely on social media platforms for their information.

The ban on using VPN also has a significant impact on local businesses who advertise and operate their business on social media. They have been rushing to find a secondary option.

The military junta announced in 2022 that using VPN without permission can result in a prison term of up to three years.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News