Censorship in Bhutan
Censorship in Bhutan refers to the way in which the Government of Bhutan controls information within its borders. There are no laws that either guarantee citizens' right to information or define or structure censorship. However, censorship in Bhutan is still conducted by restrictions on the ownership of media outlets, licensing of journalists, and the blocking of websites.
Controls over media
Bhutan has one government majority-owned newspaper, the Kuensel, five private newspapers, several magazines, and three internet service providers. It also has three private FM radio stations.
During the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Bhutan in May 2008, only journalists from the Bhutan Broadcasting Service and Kuensel were permitted to attend the function. Freelance journalists are also not able to work in Bhutan as officials respond only to journalists from the government media or 'authorized' private media.
Censorship on the internet
Censorship online is comparatively lax. The official forums of the Kuensel allow open criticism of the government though the forums are moderated, and anyone can post from an Internet café. The forums of news portals such as the U.S.-based The Bhutan Times (unrelated to the Bhutan Times newspaper) are much less moderated; this website was temporarily blocked by BICMA, Bhutan's media regulatory body, in 2007[1].
Laws
Bhutan does not have any explicit laws regarding censorship. Even the National Security Act 1993 makes no mention about censorship or classified information. Rather, BICMA's censorship pattern appears to reflect individual sensitivities of people who may have been discussed online.[2] Censorship is less an issue than the general lack of access to information. Bhutan does not yet have any legislation guaranteeing the citizens' right to information.[3]
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