When it comes to norway’s state telecoms firm accused of helping myanmar regime seize activists, in a shocking revelation, Norway's state-owned telecom giant Telenor is accused of assisting Myanmar's military regime by sharing sensitive data of activists, including addresses and last-known locations. This came to light after Aung Thu, a prominent anti-coup activist, endured two weeks of torture and later found out that the military had requested his information from Telenor, the largest telecom operator in Myanmar at that time.
Understanding Norway’s State Telecoms Firm Accused Of Helping Myanmar Regime Seize Activists
Telenor entered Myanmar in 2013 during a pivotal moment when the country was transitioning towards democratic governance. The company marketed itself as a bridge to the outside world for millions of citizens who had long been disconnected. With the backing of the Norwegian government as its majority shareholder, Telenor aimed to promote connectivity and empower users. However, the company's operations took a dark turn following the military coup in February 2021, which ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Originally reported by The Guardian.
After the coup, the military intensified its crackdown on dissent, making it increasingly dangerous for activists like Aung Thu. As the political climate deteriorated, Telenor's compliance with military orders raised serious ethical questions regarding its commitment to human rights. Internal documents suggest that Telenor complied with 96% of the 153 data requests it received from the military, leading to widespread allegations of complicity in human rights abuses.
Activists Speak Out: Aung Thu's Betrayal
Aung Thu, who was first arrested in September 2021 for his involvement in the anti-coup movement known as the "spring revolution," expressed feelings of betrayal by Telenor. The military interrogators approached the company for his data while he was already in custody. "Some of the people I worked with have disappeared; I can't find any trace of them," he told the Guardian. His data was allegedly shared with the military just before he was re-arrested under counter-terrorism laws after a brief release during a prisoner amnesty.
His case is not isolated. The Justice and Accountability Initiative (JAI), a Swedish rights organization, has filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of 1,253 customers whose data was allegedly shared with the military. The lawsuit demands a minimum of €11 million (£9.6 million) in damages, highlighting the severe consequences faced by those who trusted Telenor to protect their privacy and data.
Legal and Political Ramifications for Telenor
The lawsuit against Telenor has sparked a broader parliamentary inquiry into the Norwegian government's potential complicity in the telecom company's actions. Digital rights advocates argue that the Norwegian authorities must take responsibility for the situation, especially given that Telenor is a state-owned entity. Documents disclosed to the Norwegian broadcaster NRK reveal that the military requested Aung Thu's data while he was imprisoned, raising concerns about the company's ethical practices.
Among the plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit is Tha Zin, the widow of Phyo Zeya Thaw, a former MP executed by the military. She asserts that her husband was apprehended just weeks after his details were shared by Telenor, underscoring the tangible risks associated with the company's compliance. Critics are calling for accountability, emphasizing that the company's actions have not only jeopardized lives but also eroded trust in telecommunications as a tool for connectivity.
A Digital Iron Curtain: Myanmar's Communication Restrictions
In addition to sharing customer data, Telenor has complied with orders to block access to social media platforms and websites, effectively contributing to what digital rights activists describe as a digital "iron curtain" in Myanmar. This environment stifles dissent and obstructs the flow of information, particularly in conflict zones where transparency is crucial. Telenor's actions, therefore, have far-reaching implications beyond individual privacy violations.
A spokesperson for Telenor defended the company's actions, stating that they complied with mandates to share historical metadata but did not provide content from calls or messages. They emphasized the challenging conditions under which their employees were operating, asserting that the safety of their staff was a primary concern. However, many activists argue that such justifications cannot absolve Telenor of its responsibility to protect user data.
The unfolding legal battle and parliamentary inquiries into Telenor's operations in Myanmar are likely to continue generating attention. As the situation develops, the case highlights the complex intersection between corporate responsibility and human rights in volatile political climates, casting a long shadow over the future of telecommunications in Myanmar.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.