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Tech Companies Begin Removing Myanmar Junta Propaganda Accounts Amid Rising Pressure
Several major tech platforms have taken steps to remove propaganda accounts operated by Myanmar’s military junta following sustained pressure from human rights organizations and civil society groups. Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, and MediaFire have all acted to terminate accounts linked to the junta’s Ministry of Information and the army’s Directorate of Psychological Warfare and Public Relations.
The takedowns came after Justice For Myanmar sent letters to these companies highlighting significant sanctions compliance issues and human rights concerns related to the junta’s use of their platforms. The military regime has consistently used state-controlled media channels to spread hate speech, particularly against the Rohingya minority, and to disseminate disinformation regarding its planned sham election scheduled for December 2025 and January 2026.
Twitch, the Amazon-owned streaming platform, removed accounts that were livestreaming 14 Myanma Radio and TV (MRTV) channels and Myanma Radio broadcasts. These media outlets are directly controlled by the junta’s Ministry of Information. Twitch also terminated the Myanmar International TV (MITV) livestream that was embedded on the MITV website.
According to Justice For Myanmar, the MRTV website and apps were personally launched by junta head Min Aung Hlaing in 2022, with the military leader specifically highlighting the livestreaming capabilities. When the original accounts were removed, the junta reportedly attempted to create new channels, prompting Twitch to shut down these additional accounts as well.
Meta’s Facebook platform terminated the MITV page in line with its February 2021 ban on military-controlled state and media entities, which was implemented following the coup. YouTube removed an account linked to the junta’s Ministry of Information but has reportedly refused to take down an MITV account despite requests.
File-sharing service MediaFire joined these efforts by terminating accounts of Yadanabon Newspaper, a publication connected to Myawady Newspaper run by the army’s psychological warfare directorate. The military had been using MediaFire to host propaganda newspaper PDFs that were then shared via Facebook.
Human rights advocates view these actions as significant steps to undermine the junta’s ability to spread propaganda domestically and internationally. Many of the accounts and individuals behind them are already subject to sanctions by multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and Australia.
However, the response remains incomplete. Justice For Myanmar reports that letters were also sent to other major tech companies including Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Apple, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, Cloudflare, and ApkPure. These companies have yet to take similar actions against junta propaganda accounts on their platforms.
The timing is particularly concerning as the military junta intensifies its propaganda and disinformation campaigns ahead of its widely condemned upcoming election. Digital platforms represent a crucial vector for the regime to spread fear, mobilize votes, and manufacture a false sense of legitimacy.
The junta has escalated its human rights abuses in recent months, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and indiscriminate airstrikes. A December 10, 2025 airstrike on Mrauk-U General Hospital in Arakan State reportedly killed dozens of civilians, including healthcare workers, patients, and a baby. When international organizations including the UN and WHO criticized the attack, the junta used social media platforms to spread false claims denying civilian casualties.
“Propaganda is a pillar in the junta’s campaign of terror and the junta has been able to continue to spread propaganda through Big Tech,” said Justice For Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung. “It is unacceptable that tech companies are still providing platforms, products and services to a criminal military junta that is committing the worst crimes known to humanity, with total impunity.”
As the junta continues its campaign of violence ahead of the planned election, human rights advocates are calling on all remaining tech companies to terminate military propaganda accounts and ensure compliance with international sanctions and human rights standards.
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8 Comments
While welcome, these platform takedowns are just one piece of the puzzle. Addressing the root causes of the military’s grip on power and human rights abuses in Myanmar requires a multi-faceted approach.
Absolutely. Tackling the junta’s propaganda is necessary but insufficient – stronger international pressure and support for the pro-democracy movement is also critical.
Shutting down these state-controlled media channels is an important move, but the junta will likely find other ways to disseminate its false narratives. Sustained efforts to counter disinformation are crucial.
Agreed. Targeted account removals are a start, but a more comprehensive strategy is needed to address the junta’s broader disinformation campaign.
Removing state propaganda accounts is a good start, but the Myanmar military has proven adept at adapting its tactics. Continued vigilance and a comprehensive strategy are needed to counter the junta’s influence.
It’s good to see tech platforms take action against the Myanmar junta’s use of their services to spread hate speech and propaganda. Ongoing pressure is needed to enforce sanctions and protect vulnerable communities.
Removing junta propaganda accounts is a welcome step, though more can be done to limit the military regime’s ability to spread disinformation in Myanmar. Accountability for human rights abuses is crucial.
The tech platforms’ actions are a positive step, but the junta has many other means to spread disinformation. Coordinated global efforts to isolate and undermine the regime’s legitimacy are essential.