NEW TACTICS IN MEDIA CONTROL Media control has been taking in a new form which voluntary pro-military alliances and civilian actors have involved in scrutinising independent journalists. The Myanmar Journalist Association (MJA), the only journalist association inside the country that was re-registered under the new Organisation Registration Law enacted in October 2022, has been formed with pro-military journalists with branch organisations in regions and states across the country. Local voices reaffirm that pro-military domestic groups, those named as journalist association members, are actively monitoring and reporting on independent journalists, particularly those returning to work inside the country. The Myanmar Journalist Association (MJA) also conducted parliamentary reporting training from March 10 to 12, 2026, with approval from the Ministry of Information. Moreover, in January 2026, both the Myanmar Press Council (MPC) and the Myanmar Journalists Association (MJA) released statement supporting the Myanmar delegation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which was led by U Ko Ko Hlaing, a senior minister from the Myanmar junta. Local voices reaffirm that pro-military domestic groups, those named as journalist association members, are actively monitoring and reporting on independent journalists, particularly those returning to work inside the country. Moreover, the implementation of mandatory phone and SIM card registration digital surveillance threatens more to the already critical dangers faced by independent journalists. The military intends to build up the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system which will link specific mobile devices to individual users, and allow the regime’s tracking mechanism to be more efficient. The military has already actively used mobile phone inspections at security checkpoints to identify, and detain journalists. For example, in October 2025, Ko Min Lwin a journalist from the People Spring news outlet, was arrested and abused after he was inspected his phone during a security check. Thus, being able to track an individual user’s precise location through their SIM card would amplify the already existing risks of ground reporting because many independent news outlets and exiled journalists rely entirely on digital communications to coordinate reporting, safely transfer funds, and ensure their physical safety. Update on Journalism and Media Safety in Myanmar 11