Censorship in Bhutan

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Censorship in Bhutan is comparable to its South Asian neighbours, although not as focused or systematic as censorship in China.^{[citation needed]} Bhutan has one government majority-owned newspaper, the Kuensel, and two private newspapers and three internet service providers. It also has three private FM radio stations.

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.

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.^[1] 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.

While the Royal Government of Bhutan sees the importance of a free press, it is being careful about opening up completely. 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. Free lance journalists are also not able to work in Bhutan as officials respond only to journalists from the government media or 'authorized' private media.

Bhutan's new monarch, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, who is western-educated and modern in his outlook has also expressed his belief that transparency in government leads to good governance.