Myanmar blocks Facebook as post-coup protests gain traction

A convoy of army vehicles patrol the streets in Mandalay, Myanmar, on Feb 3, 2021. Myanmar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications sent a notice to all telcos saying Facebook and its services should be made unavailable until Feb 7 in order to maintain ‘stability’ in the country. — AP

Myanmar’s military-run government has ordered Internet service providers to temporarily block access to Facebook amid growing protests days after seizing power from its civilian leadership.

Myanmar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications sent a notice to all telecommunications companies saying Facebook and its services should be made unavailable until Feb 7 in order to maintain “stability” in the country. Facebook Inc is aware the social media platform “is currently disrupted for some people”, a company spokeswoman said.