Media Censorship in Myanmar

Myanmar, throughout the twentieth century, has faced considerable media censorship.  The situation was not always dire, however.  Before British colonization in 1878, Myanmar was a beacon of free press in Asia.  The Seventeen Articles, passed in 1873, were specifically aimed at safeguarding the freedom of press.  As aforementioned, following the British annexation of Lower Burma, censorship became common practice as the colonists repressed local-language propaganda against the British government.  Nevertheless, through the colonial years, Myanmar continued to develop its media.  The number of publications continued to increase until Burma finally gained independence in 1948.  The freedom of expression was eventually guaranteed under the new constitution, an important milestone for the nation. In addition, throughout the 50’s, Myanmar was continually recognized as having one of the freest presses in Asia.  Unfortunately, after the coup d’état of 1962, limits were placed on freedom of expression.   The regime has continually applied laws to its benefit to date.

                Today, in Myanmar under military rule, the dissemination of information is controlled extensively.  Since 1996 several laws passed under the military regime have prohibited any activities which can be perceived as undermining the authority of the government.  In large, this focuses on the media.  The Ministry of Communications, Post, and Telegraphs plays a substantial role in supplementing the government’s goals.  Domestic film production, ownership of media players, and any computer equipment are stringently reviewed by the Ministry.  The acquisition, distribution, or the development of any information that is found to be detrimental to state security is monitored by the Ministry of Communications, Post, and Telegraphs, and is a criminal offence in Myanmar.

                As well, international media in Myanmar is rarely able to work freely.  Since 1995, the BBC and several other international media outlets have been jammed from Burmese airwaves.  With the lack of regular entry of foreign reporters, Myanmar is left to the mercy of its 150 privately owned papers, all of which are subjected to pre-publication censorship by the Press Scrutiny and Registration Division, which is run by military officers.  This remains a major concern for the international community ahead of the November 7^th elections, the coverage of which has been limited in international media by the present regime.  The validity of the upcoming election has been heavily questioned by several human rights organizations that doubt the electoral process under the strict media censorship.