Ash: Safeguarding the Digital Resistance

A 30-year-old architect-turned-activist named Ash has emerged as a digital rights advocate amidst those fighting oppression in Myanmar. Ash’s journey from designing physical structures to strengthening digital spaces illustrates how resistance is fought not only in the streets but also in cyberspace.

When passing the matriculation exams with flying colors, Ash was nudged by her mother to pursue Architecture although she was considering applying for Economics major. However, she fulfilled her mother’s wish by getting accepted into one of the Technological Universities in Yangon and graduated with an Architecture Degree in 2017. After a brief three-month internship as an architect, she realized the field did not fulfill her.

In 2018, Ash’s career took a pivotal turn when she joined as an intern at an organization focused on Myanmar's ICT development. There, she discovered digital literacy through media programs before being reassigned to facilitate digital security training in different teams. By 2020, she had become a full-time digital security trainer.

"I remember clearly being requested by a women's organization to help with a sexual harassment case. The victim was being attacked by her ex-boyfriend in cyberspace." Ash recalls. "I realized how we play a key role in keeping our peers safe by offering tips and consultation. That's when I began to see the true impact of my work."

What began as a job quickly evolved into a calling as she witnessed firsthand how digital rights were becoming the new frontline in the battle for human dignity.

When the Coup Changed Everything

In 2021 following the military coup, internet blackouts and selective shutdowns became more frequent, with access restricted through a whitelist system, where VPNs became a tool of necessity for the people. Unfortunately, the organization Ash worked for was dissolved amid severe media persecution. Though scattered, her team continued working together virtually, under the protective shield of VPNs. During this chaotic political upheaval, public need for education on news verification and digital protection soared. Ash continued her work as a freelance consultant, providing training to individuals and certain organizations who requested it.

At the end of May 2024, the military implemented a new cybersecurity law granting them broad control over internet usage. This law restricted freedom of expression and criminalized VPN use, which many citizens relied on to access banned social media platforms. Working with an unspecified Chinese company, the military began using a new web surveillance and censorship system to increase its control of the internet.

As a digital rights advocate working primarily in digital spaces, Ash faced high risk of being targeted once VPNs no longer functioned effectively. Recognizing the danger, she knew she needed to relocate to continue her consultation and training work safely.

Building Networks of Resistance

In July 2024, Ash connected with Exile Hub's Human Rights Defenders fellowship program, expanding her reach and resources. The fellowship provided a safer environment where she could offer more comprehensive training and consultation services to those fighting for democracy and human rights in Myanmar.

She expressed her thoughts “I can now provide knowledge sharing and training to the exiled community in a safe and secure manner. I'm committed to ensuring people develop the digital literacy necessary to protect themselves against the threats they face. When our community is well-educated about digital security, they become more resilient against oppression."

Digital Rights as Human Rights

Today, Ash works to provide free digital security training for people who are at risk. Please visit the website to know more about her work. Ash's expertise not only impacts the general public but also enables civil society organizations, NGOs, and high-risk networks to continue their essential work despite growing digital oppression. For many activists, journalists, and everyday citizens, her training represents the difference between safely participating in resistance efforts and facing serious repercussions.

Because in today's world, securing digital spaces is not just a necessity – it is an act of freedom.