Myanmar's Junta has barred all senior executives of telecommunications companies from leaving the country without permission, a Reuters exclusive report said.
A source with knowledge in the matter told Reuters that all major telecommunications companies received a confidential order from Myanmar's Posts and Telecommunications Department in June. The order includes both foreign and local senior executives, who must seek special authorization from the Junta government for any trips out of the country.
Sources said the telecommunications companies also received a separate letter ordering them to comply with an order to implement intercept technologies for the government. The technology will allow the government to spy on calls, messages and online traffic without any assistance from the telecommunications companies.
The companies reportedly have until July 5, to comply with the government's orders. Myanmar's military junta aims to quell insurgencies through the use of spyware technology. Over the past months, the country has faced nearly daily protests from political opponents and a growing number of insurgency groups.
The junta government has declined to comment or respond to questions about its public electronic surveillance efforts. However, when it seized power, military officials said they plan to pass a cybersecurity bill that would compel telecommunications companies to provide data upon request. The bill would also give the government the power to censor any content it deems to be disruptive to the country's "unity, stabilization and peace."
Sources within three telecommunications companies said authorities have stepped up pressure on executives to implement the intercept technology. The sources declined to elaborate further. Two separate sources said the companies have been repeatedly warned by authorities not to speak publicly about the orders. Major telecommunications companies operating in Myanmar, including Telenor and Ooredoo, have declined to comment on the alleged orders. Sources said both Telenor and Oooredoo have yet to fully comply.
Last week, Telenor said it is in the process of evaluating its future in Myanmar. Sources said Telenor is mulling over the possible sale of its Myanmar business unit.
The extent of the intercept technologies remains largely unclear. A report from Reuters said the spyware technology the Junta is requesting to be installed could allow the army to eavesdrop on any calls or text exchanges of all citizens.
