Bhutan

National Assembly calls for zero-tolerance on online pornography: The National Assembly endorsed a motion calling for a nationwide zero-tolerance policy against pornographic, violent, and morally harmful content, directing the government to implement five key recommendations and submit an action-taken report within six months.

MP Sonam Tashi tabled motion for zero-tolerance policy: MP Sonam Tashi initiated a motion in the National Assembly calling for a nationwide zero-tolerance policy against pornographic, violent, and morally harmful content on digital platforms, citing it as a 'national emergency'.

Government began monitoring digital platforms: The government initiated measures to monitor digital platforms, indicating increased efforts to control online content.

Continued rise in cybercrime and cyberbullying: The Royal Bhutan Police reported a continued rise in cybercrime and cyberbullying cases, reinforcing the urgency for stronger online regulation.

Rise in cybercrime and cyberbullying cases: Bhutan saw 56 cases of cybercrime and 960 incidents of cyberbullying, prompting calls for stronger regulation of online spaces.

Media Council merged with BICMA: Following the Civil Service Reform Act of 2022, the Media Council was merged with BICMA, consolidating digital content management responsibilities under BICMA.

Bhutan Media Foundation study on online experiences: A study by the Bhutan Media Foundation revealed spam and inappropriate content as common negative experiences for social media users, highlighting a lack of awareness about privacy and ethical issues online.

1 case of pornography registered by RBP: The Royal Bhutan Police registered one case related to pornography.

BICMA implemented Rules and Regulations on Content: BICMA implemented the Rules and Regulations on Content, aimed at ensuring media content adheres to standards of decency and public appropriateness.

Court sentenced women convicted of pornography: The court sentenced the women convicted on April 13, 2018, to detention and fines for computer pornography.

Two women convicted for computer pornography: Two women were convicted for computer pornography for taking and posting nude photographs of a friend on WeChat.

Information, Communications and Media Act of Bhutan updated: The Information, Communications and Media Act of Bhutan was updated, granting BICMA regulatory powers over media and internet content, including ensuring content is not obscene or harmful to children.

Tobacco Control Act enacted: The Tobacco Control Act was enacted, making depictions of tobacco use in motion media (other than for health promotion) a petty misdemeanor.

Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan adopted: The Constitution was adopted, including provisions for fundamental rights and principles of state policy, allowing for reasonable restrictions on rights in the interest of national well-being and protection of public morality.

Bhutantimes.com temporarily blocked by BICMA: BICMA temporarily blocked access to bhutantimes.com due to content deemed too critical of a minister, reflecting individual sensitivities in censorship patterns.

Bhutan Information Communications and Media Act enacted: The Bhutan Information Communications and Media Act was enacted, creating BICMA and granting it powers to regulate communications and content, including blocking websites.

Penal Code of Bhutan enacted: The Penal Code of Bhutan was enacted, with Section 476 (A) criminalizing computer pornography and defining obscenity.

National Security Act enacted: The National Security Act was enacted, prohibiting criticism of the king and political system, inciting hatred, and promoting enmity between groups, with penalties including imprisonment.