This case brings together multiple reports detailing how Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor contributed to severe human rights violations in Myanmar. In July 2021, 474 Myanmar civil society organisations filed an OECD complaint alleging that Telenor failed to conduct risk-based human rights due diligence, engage stakeholders or ensure transparency when selling its Myanmar subsidiary to M1 Group and Shwe Byain Phyu (SBP), a consortium closely linked to the military junta. The complainants argue that Telenor’s actions put the safety and privacy of more than 18 million customers at risk.

Both reports highlight that following the February 2021 coup, Myanmar’s junta escalated surveillance and ordered telecom operators to hand over sensitive user data. Telenor Myanmar repeatedly complied, providing names, addresses, national ID numbers, call logs and location data, which enabled the military to track, arrest, torture and kill human rights defenders and activists. Investigations show that at least 1,300 customers’ data were handed over and nearly 500 customers were at risk of arrest. Despite knowing the risks, Telenor continued sharing data until it sold its operations in March 2022, transferring control of customer data and surveillance technology to SBP and M1 Group.

On 6 October 2025, victims and civil society groups including Defend Myanmar Democracy and Myanmar Internet Project sent a pre‑action letter to Telenor ASA via Norwegian law firm Simonsen Vogt Wiig, notifying the company of their intent to sue for human rights abuses. They allege that Telenor’s systematic data disclosures directly facilitated arbitrary detentions, torture and executions of activists and opposition figures. The plaintiffs seek damages and aim to prove Telenor’s liability under Norwegian law. The case timeline also records an August 2025 report by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation revealing repeated compliance with junta data requests, an August 2025 police report filed in Norway, and ongoing OECD NCP and legal proceedings.

SOMO and the Open Society Justice Initiative support the complainants by providing legal advice, drafting complaints and assisting with litigation. This combined case underscores the need for robust corporate accountability, human rights due diligence and responsible disengagement by companies operating in conflict‑affected countries.