Following the decision by Apple to remove RT and Sputnik apps from all countries except Russia, Burma Campaign UK today repeated its call to Apple to remove apps by the Burmese military-owned company Mytel.
Mytel is a mobile phone network which is a joint venture between the Burmese military and Vietnamese military. It is highly profitable for the Burmese military.
The United Nations has repeatedly reported on the role Burmese military owned companies play in funding the Burmese military and the violations of international law committed by the Burmese military. The UN Fact-Finding Mission report on the economic interests of the Burmese military is available here.
The Burmese military is facing charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice and being investigated for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.
Apple hosts seven apps from Mytel and refuses to remove them. The apps are a critical part of Mytel’s marketing strategy to attract customers and increase profits.
Alphabet/Google and Huawei also host Mytel apps.
Since 2019, Apple has been on the Burma Campaign UK ‘Dirty List’ of companies linked to the Burmese military. Apple has not responded to correspondence.
“Apple need to explain why they think propaganda by the Putin regime is unacceptable, but at the same time think it is acceptable for Apple to help the Burmese military fund genocide,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “Just like Putin, the Burmese military use Russian jets and Russian bombs in airstrikes against civilian targets. By hosting Mytel apps, Apple are in a business relationship with a military which has committed genocide and rapes children. Apple must stop helping the Burmese military make money and remove all Mytel apps. No form of business relationship with the Burmese military is acceptable.”