6/9/22, 11:12 AM Telenor follows Myanmar orders to block alleged ‘fake news’ sites | The Myanmar Times According to Frontier Myanmar, Rakhine-based Development Media Group and Narinjara were among websites listed for blocking on the basis they were “fake news” sites. However, implementation of the order did not appear to be consistent and The Myanmar Times was able to access both news sites on Ooredoo’s network early on March 31. Digital rights groups called on all the operators and the ministry to publish a list of the blocked sites. Myanmar ICT for Development Organisation executive director Ma Htaike Htaike Aung said “blocking access to information is not a democratic nor an effective way to deal with mis/disinformation.” Instead, the authorities should disseminate up-to-date information and allow the public to seek out official information via hotlines and websites, she added. “The government should be open about areas of concerns or uncertainty, so to avoid creating a void of information which could be filled by rumours,” Ma Htaike Htaike Aung told The Myanmar Times, adding that it should work with the media and fact-checking organisations to ensure information accuracy. The reported blocking of two of Rakhine state’s ethnic media websites follows a months-long internet shutdown in nine townships there and in Chin State imposed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s government. Vicky Bowman, head of the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business, criticised Nay Pyi Taw for not being open about its orders to block certain websites. “Both the government and the operators should be transparent about the actions they are taking and report this publicly, giving a clear legal basis. Telenor’s public statement highlighting their actions and concerns reflects their status as the telecoms operator most actively committed to operating responsibly in Myanmar,” she commented. “However, in view of their commitment to the Global Network Initiative, we encourage them and other operators to publish a list of all blocked sites and the reason for blocking them, and of course the Ministry of Transport and Communications to do the same.” Tags: Telenor COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard (Myanmar) You May Like Sponsored Links Nya 42 euro knähylsor utformade för seniorer CARESOLE Nya 42 euro knähylsor utformade för seniorer CARESOLE | Sponsored Lejoninna ropar efter hjälp från fotografen - han blir shockad när han inser vad som händer SmartWorldMag Read Next Story https://www.mmtimes.com/news/telenor-follows-myanmar-orders-block-alleged-fake-news-sites.html 3/6