Myanmar Passes Anti-Online Scam Bill with Harsh Punishments

Myanmar's Federal Parliament has passed the Anti-Online Scam Bill, a legislation aimed at tackling online scams. The bill was first proposed in May and has undergone some changes since then.

According to the original proposal, those found guilty of executing or operating online scams could face up to 10 years in prison or even the death penalty. Harsher punishments, including life imprisonment or execution by death, would be applied if the scam resulted in a person's death.

The bill also covers other aspects of online scams, such as the establishment of online scam hotspots, cryptocurrency-related scams, and forced labor or human trafficking. Those found guilty could face up to 10 years in prison or life imprisonment, with fines being imposed as well.

Myanmar's Federal Parliament passed the bill on July 28, after both the upper and lower houses approved the same content and also decided on terms where their opinions differed.