Is VPN Legal in Myanmar? [All You Need to Know]

Like many countries in the Middle East, Myanmar has strict internet censorship laws. 

Therefore, citizens and visitors have resorted to using VPNs to bypass these restrictions.

But considering all of the other web regulations, it’s natural to wonder if VPNs are even legal in Myanmar or if you could get in trouble for using them.

Keep reading because we’ll explain all you need to know about VPN regulations in Myanmar.

Is VPN legal in Myanmar?

No, VPN is not legal in Myanmar, and the government is taking extreme measures to combat VPN usage. 

On January 13, 2022, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) published Draft Law 2.0, an updated version of the Cyber Security Law. 

According to this law, the use of a VPN is prohibited.

Still, an exception is given to businesses to use the MOTC-approved VPN. That’s because it allows them to share information within the organization securely.

Apart from that, VPNs are illegal and you risk fines and jail time.

But how can the Myanmar agencies know you use VPN?

When it comes to blocking VPNs, it is unknown what methods Myanmar use to detect and prohibit them.

There are many ways in which governments can block and control VPNs, from using deep packet inspection to throttling connections and blocking known VPN IPs.

We can only assume Myanmar uses at least one of them.

Besides that, authorities have taken extreme measures to combat VPNs. They are even confiscating phones and checking for VPN software on the spot.

Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from using VPNs in Myanmar.

What is the punishment for using a VPN in Myanmar?

The government shall punish anyone found guilty of using a VPN in Myanmar.

According to a report published by The Register, individuals caught using VPNs will face a possible jail sentence of between 1 and 3 years. 

In addition, offenders might have to pay a fine of up to $2,800 or five million Myanmar Kyats.

Can foreigners use a VPN in Myanmar?

It is unclear whether the new law applies only to Myanmar citizens and businesses or also to foreigners. 

However, ex-pats and travelers should exercise caution when using VPNs in Myanmar.

As previously mentioned, it was reported by Radio Free Asia that officials stopped passersby and demanded access to their phones to know if they owned a VPN.

This happened even before the legislation was eventually approved and they didn’t specifically target Myanmar citizens only.

Therefore, foreigners could face penalties for engaging in illegal online activities, and that includes using VPNs.

Moreover, it is also important to note that the political situation in Myanmar is complex and volatile. They’re in a state of emergency since February 2021, following a military coup. 

As such, you must stay updated with the latest news and developments in the country and avoid unnecessary visits to Myanmar.

Summary

While using VPNs in Myanmar was previously accepted, the new law prohibits their use without government approval, making it part of the few countries where VPNs are illegal.

Therefore, businesses and individuals, including expats and travelers, should exercise caution when using VPNs in Myanmar.

In addition, they are to avoid activities perceived as illegal or politically sensitive. 

However, we recommend that you avoid non-essential travel to the country due to the complex and volatile political situation.