Any changes in the media sector? From my perspective, nothing has changed in the media sector - in fact, it’s become two months in prison, I was kept in solitary confinement because the authorities feared I would continue spreading information. even worse under Min Aung Hlaing. Even after Even after my release, I believe I the junta announced its planned election, remained under surveillance. For example, people were still being arrested simply for after an article under my name called “Jun- liking or reacting to Facebook posts, let alone ta steps up surveillance of NLD after prisoners expressing their opinions. In the past, censor- releases” was published by the Bangkok Post ship mainly meant blacking out or tearing pages and republished by the Irrawaddy, military from newspapers and magazines before pub- intelligence officers and local officers went lication. That was repressive, but today’s situ- to my family’s home in the evening. Although ation is even harsher because censorship has my family had already fled because of earlier expanded into the digital space, where even a threats, they questioned my relatives and simple “like” or emoji reaction can lead to arrest. neighbours, telling them to report immediately if At the same time, independent and diverse I ever returned or contacted them. To me, that media voices continue to be suppressed, clearly showed I was still being monitored. while only state-controlled outlets such as Based on my own research, I also see Mirror news, Myanmar Alinn, Myawaddy and broader patterns of digital surveillance. People MRTV are allowed to shape the public narrative. have had their phones confiscated or searched, So, for me, media freedom has not improved at and spyware has allegedly been installed in all - it has become far more restrictive than in some cases. There have also been reports of or- previous military eras. dinary citizens being arrested while travelling because of digital monitoring. So, in my After your release, have you experienced digi- assessment, surveillance no longer targets tal surveillance or intimidation? only journalists or well-known activists. I Speaking from my experience, digital extended to ordinary citizens as well. I believe surveillance and intimidation are very real and the authorities are constantly watching I believethey have become even more perva- people’s digital activities. This is not based sive. As a journalist, our newsroom were raid- on rumours or social media speculation, but ed, our equipment was confiscated and I spent on my own research, interviews and conver- two weeks in military interrogation before sations with affected individuals and their being imprisoned. During my four years and families. Update on Journalism and Media Safety in Myanmar 19