In 2011, after Aung San Suu Kyi’s release, Myanmar began its political transition under the banner of national reconciliation and reform. During this time, Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor entered Myanmar. As a company from a democratic nation, it was warmly welcomed by Myanmar people and quickly became the largest telecom operator with over 20 million subscribers.
However, following the 2021 military coup, Telenor complied with the military council’s demands and handed over users’ personal data. This included information about revolution leaders Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw. The metadata provided by Telenor led to their arrest and subsequent execution by the military council.
According to investigations by Norwegian media NRK, Telenor readily complied with the military council’s requests, providing data for over 1,300 users without resistance. The company’s own assessment indicated that this could lead to the arrest of approximately 500 people connected to the revolution, potentially facing prison sentences of 3 to 7 years, yet they still complied with the military council’s demands.
Ma Thazin Nyunt Aung, wife of Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, stated that Telenor collaborated with the worst elements and profited from blood money. She has called for Telenor to face prosecution in international courts. Currently, Telenor has been purchased by Shwe Byaing Phyu company, owned by the military council’s crony Thein Wai Zaw, and continues operations under the new name ATOM.
