The world has been riveted by the massive pro-democracy protests taking place
in Myanmar (also known as Burma). Once again the brutal regime is cracking down on peaceful protesters. Once again, it is trying to hide its actions. However, this time technology is helping people around the world learn about what’s happening in that tiny, often forgotten country.
A few days ago, the Associated Press had this to say about how people are helping to turn the world’s attention to the protests:
“Cell phones and the Internet are playing a crucial role in telling the world about Myanmar's pro-democracy protests, with video footage sometimes transmitted one frame at a time. Reporters Without Borders said Wednesday the junta has cut some cell phone service. . . [T]he world has been watching through television and still images smuggled out of Myanmar over the Internet — sometimes . . . one frame at a time. Dramatic images arrive via e-mails to exiled activists and via mobile phone calls to journalists outside the country, also known as Burma. Hundreds of images are simply posted on the Internet for anyone to see.”