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It also requires that permission be obtained, even by UN agencies, for public showings of imported videos. Video Censorship Boards are charged with the responsibility of scrutinizing all imported and Burmese-made videos for material that may be considered offensive or detrimental to the state and they retain the right to ban, censor or restrict showings. Under the Act, all private video users and video businesses must obtain a license from the Video Business Supervisory Committee, which also has the authority carry out on-site inspections. Violators of any of the provisions face imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to 100,000 kyat (today equivalent to US $17,000), or both.

The Motion Picture Law

Licenses to make films must first be obtained from the Myanmar Motion Picture Enterprise. All films are subject to censorship by the Motion Picture Censor Board. If the terms and conditions of the license are broken then it is subject to be revoked and the violator may be charged with fines of up to 50,000 kyats (today’s equivalent of US $8,500).

September 20, 1996—The Computer Science Development Law

Under this law press freedom has been suppressed through the restriction of communications equipment. The law demands prior sanction is obtained from the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs before any computer equipment, networking or communication facilities can be possessed, imported or utilized. Those found guilty of any of these acts without authorization face fines and prison sentences of up to 15 years.¹⁴ Article 34 makes "any act which undermines state security, prevalence of law and order and community peace and tranquillity, national unity, state economy or national culture," including the "obtaining or sending and distributing any information," a punishable offence.¹⁵ The law allows for the establishment of three types of computer-related associations; the Computer Enthusiasts’ Association; Computer Scientists’ Association and the Computer Entrepreneurs Association. Unauthorized computer associations will be considered illegal and association with such a group can be punished with up to three years imprisonment or a fine.

2000—Internet Law

In 2000 regulations for internet users are issued by the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs. They include the prohibition of the posting of any writings on the internet that may be detrimental to the interests of the Union, its policies or security affairs. Violations of the guidelines are punishable. These regulations make media access and the publication of information critical of the junta very difficult.

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1 Section 109, The Criminal Procedure Code.
2 Section 16, The Unlawful Associations Act.
3 Section 5, The Official Secrets Act.
4 Section 5(e), The Emergency Provisions Act.
5 Section 5(j), The Emergency Provisions Act.
6 Martial Law Order 16/89
7 Preamble, The State Protection Law.
8 Articles 14 and 22 of the State Protection Law were amended by Law Order 11/91 introduced on August 9, 1991. The amendment increased the prison sentence from three years to five years and revoked the right of appeal.
9 Article 4, The State Protection Law.
10 Chapter II, 3(a), The Law Protecting the Peaceful and Systematic Transfer of State Responsibility and the Successful Performance of the Functions of the National Convention against Disturbances and Oppositions.

11 Chapter II, 3(c), The Law Protecting the Peaceful and Systematic Transfer of State Responsibility and the Successful Performance of the Functions of the National Convention against Disturbances and Oppositions.

12 Chapter III, 4, The Law Protecting the Peaceful and Systematic Transfer of State Responsibility and the Successful Performance of the Functions of the National Convention against Disturbances and Oppositions.
13 Chapter III, 5, The Law Protecting the Peaceful and Systematic Transfer of State Responsibility and the Successful Performance of the Functions of the National Convention against Disturbances and Oppositions.

15 Article 34(a) and (b), The Computer Science Development Law.

UPDATED IN MAY 2004