The Ministry of Information has issued a warning, stating that the broadcasting of movies which undermine Myanmar’s cultural values and traditions will face prohibition.

Presently, movies are being disseminated through various social media platforms such as movie applications, Facebook, YouTube, Viber, and Telegram, through the creation of accounts, pages, groups, and websites.

These online movies lack official approval and do not un­dergo censorship. Consequently, they often contain content, in­cluding actions and dialogues, that contravene the country’s policies, religious sentiments, ethnic harmony, legal frame­work, and cultural norms, ren­dering them unsuitable for fam­ily viewing.

Action against such movies will be taken in accordance with the activation of a law enacted on 13 April, designating the broad­casting of motion pictures via telecommunications networks as an essential service. Accord­ing to this law, individuals found guilty of violating such orders under Section 5 of the Law on Es­sential Goods and Services could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years and a fine not exceeding K 500,000.

Moreover, these online broadcasts have facilitated the proliferation of online gambling and sexual services, which pose risks to the moral development of young people and undermine societal values.

Additionally, the inability to issue official certification to reg­ulate and supervise these broad­casts deprives the country of its regulatory authority.

It has also been highlighted that the directives cover the use of communication networks, es­tablishment of movie theatres, launching of film applications, and broadcasting or screening movies through communication networks. — TWA/ TRKM