"Joint statement: Myanmar must lift internet restrictions following devastating earthquake", 31 March 2025

We, …, strongly condemn the Myanmar military for continuing to impose communication blackouts, including internet shutdowns, following Myanmar’s worst earthquake in history. We call for restrictions on internet services, including social media platforms and news media websites, to be immediately lifted.

…, Myanmar experienced a magnitude 7.7 earthquake, the strongest ever recorded in the country’s history, impacting at least 67 townships. The epicenter was in Sagaing city, near Mandalay, the central part of the country. The most affected areas include Sagaing, Mandalay, and the country’s capital, Naypyitaw. The death toll has risen to more than 2,000 as of March 31 and continues to climb…

We … demand the following from Military Chief Min Aung Hlaing and his forces:

1. Restore internet access immediately across the country. ...
2. Lift all internet censorship measures, including the “firewall” systems on internet gateways, which force people to rely on VPNs that slow down already limited bandwidth, disturbing rescue efforts where every second counts.
3. End all restrictions on media and media freedom...
4. Stop all military oppression immediately and unconditionally, …

We call on the international community, governments, UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, and tech companies to

1. Pressure the junta to lift any ongoing internet shutdowns and internet restrictions so that people can seek urgent help and communicate with the outside world.
2. Pressure the junta to end restrictions on public access to information and media freedom as per international access to information and media protocols.
3. Support emergency connectivity solutions to bypass internet shutdowns through local groups and ensure that affected communities can communicate.
4. Ensure that emergency aid, including support with emergency communication, does not fall into military hands to be misused and abused as a tool for oppression…