Myanmar Military Propaganda Channels Taken Down by Tech Giants Following Activist Campaign

The Myanmar military regime’s online propaganda channels have faced a significant setback as major technology companies have removed them from their platforms following sustained pressure from human rights activists and advocacy groups.

The development marks a notable victory for pro-democracy campaigners who have long argued that these military-controlled media outlets spread disinformation and justify human rights abuses carried out since the February 2021 coup that overthrew Myanmar’s democratically elected government.

Among the propaganda outlets affected is Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV), the state broadcaster that celebrated its 25th anniversary in a ceremony attended by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and information minister Maung Maung Ohn. MRTV has been a primary vehicle for the military regime to disseminate its messaging and narrative about the ongoing conflict in the country.

Digital rights experts familiar with the situation indicate that several technology platforms, including social media giants and content hosting services, have conducted reviews of these channels following documented evidence that they violated platform policies regarding the glorification of violence and spread of harmful content.

“This represents a significant disruption to the junta’s ability to control information both domestically and internationally,” said a Southeast Asia analyst who specializes in digital rights and requested anonymity for security reasons. “These platforms provided the military with a veneer of legitimacy and access to audiences beyond their physical control.”

The military regime has faced increasing challenges on multiple fronts, with resistance forces making territorial gains in various regions of Myanmar. Control of the information landscape has been central to the junta’s strategy since seizing power, with authorities systematically targeting independent media outlets, arresting journalists, and implementing internet blackouts in conflict areas.

Myanmar’s military government has consistently used state media to portray resistance fighters as “terrorists” while minimizing reporting on its own documented human rights violations. UN investigations have implicated military leaders, including Min Aung Hlaing, in serious human rights abuses both before and after the coup.

The tech companies’ decision comes amid growing international pressure on businesses to avoid complicity in human rights violations in Myanmar. Several global brands have already withdrawn from the Myanmar market, citing ethical concerns about operating under military rule.

Civil society organizations have welcomed the platforms’ actions but caution that the military regime continues to adapt its digital strategy. “The junta is resourceful and will likely seek alternative channels to spread its propaganda,” said a representative from a Myanmar digital rights organization. “This is a positive step, but ongoing vigilance is necessary.”

The military’s propaganda machinery extends beyond traditional broadcasting to include numerous Facebook pages, YouTube channels, and websites that attempt to legitimize the coup and discredit the opposition. Many of these have operated despite violating the platforms’ stated policies.

For Myanmar citizens, access to accurate information remains challenging. The junta has imposed strict telecommunications laws that criminalize certain types of online speech, while internet shutdowns continue to affect conflict-heavy regions, particularly in Chin, Kayah, and Sagaing regions.

Independent media organizations like Myanmar Now have been forced to operate from exile, with their websites frequently blocked inside the country. Many Myanmar citizens rely on VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to access uncensored news sources.

Experts note that while removing propaganda channels is important, technology companies must also address the more sophisticated disinformation tactics employed by military-aligned actors, including coordinated inauthentic behavior and covert influence operations.

The information battle remains a critical component of the broader struggle for Myanmar’s future, with both the military regime and pro-democracy forces recognizing the importance of controlling the narrative both domestically and internationally as the country approaches the third anniversary of the coup that plunged it into ongoing civil conflict.