Recently, the extremely popular global video streaming website “YouTube” announced that they have begun removing channels and uploaded videos related to Myanmar’s military. Myanmar, also referred to as Burma, is located in South Eastern Asia. Myanmar’s official elected leader is currently under house arrest and is going through trials for violations or Burma laws including the inability to obey COVID-19 restrictions. Therefore, Myanmar’s military commander-in-chief, Min Aung Hlaing, is now in charge and holds great power. This has sparked protests and mayhem in the country, as it has been placed under a year long “state of emergency.” Myanmar is in a position right now, like America was not too long ago, where it is almost like the people versus the higher powers, doing whatever it takes to make a change.

Popular social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, have already decided to hide Myanmar military posts, with YouTube now following. Facebook’s director of policy for APAC emerging countries, Rafael Frankel, explained that this move is in the best interest of the safety of their community, as well as the people of Myanmar. Frankel also stated that the “events since the Feb. 1 coup, including deadly violence, have precipitated a need for this ban,” and that allowing the Myanmar military on Facebook and Instagram present too large of risks to be overlooked. According to United Nations special envoy for Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener, at least 38 protestors were killed on Wednesday, making that the deadliest day since the Myanmar military initially seized power.