Norway Probes Telenor Over Myanmar Data Handover

Norway’s Parliament has opened an inquiry into allegations that telecoms giant Telenor handed over sensitive customer data to Myanmar’s military regime during its withdrawal from the country, potentially exposing opposition figures to arrest and detention. The case has triggered serious political concern in Oslo, where lawmakers warn the government may bear responsibility as Telenor’s majority owner.

The scrutiny follows revelations that the company complied with a junta order in 2021 to surrender personal data belonging to around 1,300 users, including that of detained civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The information emerged through reporting by national broadcaster NRK, which said Telenor faced threats to staff safety if it refused military demands.

According to Norwegian outlet NewsinEnglish.no, the Storting’s Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs Committee is now examining the matter. Its chair, Per‑Willy Amundsen, has described the allegations as “extremely serious”, stressing that the government could be implicated in potential human rights violations. The committee has already questioned the ministries of trade and foreign affairs, as well as the Prime Minister’s Office, but is reportedly dissatisfied with the responses received. Several requested documents have also not been provided.

The controversy extends beyond the data handover itself. Before exiting Myanmar, activists urged Telenor to halt the sale of its local operations, warning that transferring the business to a regime‑linked company would give the junta access to the personal information of millions of users. Despite these concerns, Telenor completed the sale in March 2022 to Investcom PTE LTD, a joint venture between Lebanon’s M1 Group and Myanmar firm Shwe Byaing Phyu (SBP). SBP is controlled by Thein Win Zaw, a businessman closely tied to the military, and partly owned by Khin Thiri Thet Mon, daughter of junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.

M1 Group itself has faced criticism for its ties to the Myanmar military. It was placed on Burma Campaign UK’s “Dirty List” in 2019 due to its role in Irrawaddy Green Towers, which operates thousands of telecom towers for military‑owned operator Mytel. Reports also indicate that Telenor’s exit included the transfer of surveillance equipment to M1.

The issue has now escalated into a legal matter. In December 2024, human rights groups Justice for Myanmar and ICJ Norway filed a police complaint accusing Telenor and former managers of breaching Norwegian sanctions and enabling the junta’s access to sensitive data.

As the parliamentary probe deepens, the case raises broader questions about corporate responsibility, state oversight and the risks faced by companies operating under authoritarian regimes.

-2025-12-19