Burma abolishes media censorship

Answer 1

Burma has eliminated a requirement for political and religious journals to first submit their stories to a censorship board before publication. About 300 journals covering less sensitive topics have already had the same requirement lifted.

Burma is known for having some of the most strict censorship laws in the world but since the civilian government replaced the military regime last year, some media controls have eased.  

Recent changes have also allowed access to 30,000 news websites that were previously restricted.

Journalists and advocates welcomed the changes but noted the challenges to press freedom that remain with several strict censorship laws still in effect, including the existence of the censorship board itself.

The government is currently drafting a new media law to replace the 1962 law that was drawn up by the military and is expected to vote on it soon.