The utilization of online platforms for self-expression has become a norm, allowing individuals to share their emotions, connect with others, and find solace in the digital realm. While many manage to engage positively without infringing upon the rights and reputation of others, there exists a cohort who manipulates this medium for nefarious purposes, disregarding ethical boundaries and wreaking havoc on unsuspecting victims.
Although digital engagement is a constitutional right, as enshrined in the 2008 Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, its misuse is causing mounting concerns. The virtuous concept of freedom of expression can become a facade when wielded with malicious intent. There’s a group that exploits the online landscape to inflict harm, conducting illicit operations that fail to benefit anyone beyond themselves.
The issue is compounded by the rise of illegitimate online microfinance schemes that feed on deception. Authorities have pinpointed 35 such perilous enterprises, cautioning citizens against engaging with them. Some of these applications are even prohibited on the Google Play Store due to their association with dubious financial practices. These apps entice users with the prospect of quick loans in Myanmar’s national currency, the Kyat. However, their sinister conditions reveal that a hefty 75 per cent of the sanctioned loan is remitted, after subjecting borrowers to an exorbitant seven-point deduction. Worse, these applications exploit the digital age’s vulnerability by coercing users into submitting personal photographs and videos, unknowingly allowing illegal microfinance businesspersons to exploit their private lives.
In a landscape where internet usage is ubiquitous, the threat of cyber victimization is omnipresent, transcending national boundaries to become a global quandary. To tackle this pressing issue, governments worldwide are taking measures to sensitize users about the perils of the online realm. Furthermore, the establishment of cybercrime units underscores the seriousness of this challenge, aiming to counteract the growing tide of cybercrimes.
Among the myriad cybercrimes, monetary fraud emerges as a dominant concern. Its intricate web often eludes straightforward classification and evidence accumulation, posing a formidable challenge for legal authorities. This complexity hampers swift and effective action against perpetrators. Nevertheless, diligent efforts persist in combating cybercrimes through multifaceted approaches.
As guardians of their own digital security, individuals should exercise caution. The barrage of online advertisements, especially those endorsing suspicious microfinance ventures, should be approached with scepticism. Vigilance and adherence to official warnings are crucial to navigate the online landscape safely. In this era of boundless connectivity, equipping oneself with knowledge becomes the first line of defence against the lurking threat of cybercrimes.
