"THERE have been concerns raised by some quarters over the suspension of the internet in some townships in Rakhine and Chin States, expressing fears that the internet blackout may endanger the lives of vulnerable civilians facing the COVID-19 pandemic in affected areas. Due to the intensification of offensive attacks and acts of violence launched by the Arakan Army (AA) insurgents, the Government issued a directive on 20 June 2019 to impose a temporary suspension of internet services in eight townships in Rakhine State and one township in Chin State, with a view to maintaining security and law and order in conflict-affected townships in Rakhine and Chin States. The directive on internet suspension, issued on the basis of Article 77 of the 2013 Telecommunication Law, covers Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon, Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Paletwa townships. However, voice and SMS services remain available. The temporary internet suspension measure is necessary to prevent the AA from exploiting mobile internet technologies to detonate IEDs and landmines, to incite hatred among different ethnic groups and to plan attacks or kidnappings of government officials. The crimes committed by the AA include the killings of village and ward administrators with a view to disrupting the government machinery. The restrictions were lifted in five townships namely Rathedaung, Myebon, Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Paletwa townships in August 2019, when the conflict situation showed signs of improvement. The resurgence of violence and the intensification of acts of terrorism perpetrated by the AA compelled the authorities to impose temporary restrictions in February 2020. Normal internet access will be restored once the situation stabilizes. In fact as of May 2020, the internet service in Maungdaw Township in Rakhine State has been restored..."