Asia Media Watch

 Published last month:  India's IT Ministry advises VPN providers to block access to websites leaking personal data, citing privacy risks and legal obligations.

 Published last month:  India reaffirms compliance requirements for publishers and intermediaries under IT Rules, emphasizing content ethics and grievance mechanisms.

 Published last month:  Hong Kong's High Court is poised to announce a verdict in Jimmy Lai's national security case, raising significant concerns for press freedom.

 Published last month:  A recent CIVICUS report highlights declining media freedoms in the Asia-Pacific, emphasizing increased repression of journalism and civic actions.

 Published last month:  Vietnam's new media law empowers authorities to compel journalists to disclose sources, raising concerns about press freedom and self-censorship.

 Published last month:  Hong Kong's national security office warns foreign media after a deadly fire, intensifying controls over reporting and public discourse.

 Published last month:  Foreign broadcasters favor India over Pakistan due to its market size, regulatory flexibility, and strong demand for international news.

 Published last month:  Two journalists investigating corruption at a Madhya Pradesh RTO office were attacked, highlighting ongoing safety risks for reporters in India.

 Published last month:  Chinese authorities have detained veteran journalist Du Bin for the third time, highlighting ongoing press freedom issues in the country.

 Published last month:  India's government has withdrawn the mandatory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on smartphones after widespread backlash from privacy advocates.

 Published last month:  Kazakhstan's authorities face international pressure to withdraw charges against Orda editor Gulnara Bazhkenova following police raids and detentions.

 Published last month:  Myanmar's military government has released two prominent journalists under an amnesty ahead of upcoming elections, raising concerns about press freedom.

 Published last month:  Floods and landslides in Southeast Asia disrupt media access, complicating humanitarian reporting amidst rising death tolls and devastated infrastructure.

 Published last month:  The Hong Kong apartment fire at Wang Fuk Court highlights challenges in media safety, crisis reporting, and fire code violations amidst tragedy.

 Published last month:  The Indian Supreme Court mandates a new regulatory framework for social media, emphasizing stronger oversight and content safety measures.

 Published last month:  China's former editor advises media restraint in light of escalating tensions with Japan amid intensified state censorship and control.

 Published last month:  UN experts express alarm over India's media crackdown following the Pahalgam attack, citing severe rights violations and repressive measures.

 Published last month:  A Tamil Nadu politician has been booked for threatening a journalist, highlighting the risks journalists face in local politics in India.

 Published last month:  Malaysia will ban social media accounts for individuals under 16 starting in 2026 to combat cyberbullying and online exploitation.

 Published last month:  The GIJC25 conference opens in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting press freedom concerns and the need for radical collaboration among journalists worldwide.

 Published last month:  Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim calls for fair wages for journalists, addressing the industry's low pay and demanding government action to improve conditions.

 Published last month:  The raid on Kashmir Times highlights growing media pressure in Jammu and Kashmir, raising concerns among journalists and advocacy groups.

 Published 2 months ago:  Press freedom in Asia is declining as governments adopt China-style controls, threatening independent journalism and democratic accountability.

 Published 2 months ago:  The indictment of journalist Murray Hunter in Thailand raises urgent concerns about cross-border press freedom and transnational repression.

 Published 2 months ago:  An Australian journalist faces defamation charges in Thailand by Malaysia's MCMC for criticizing censorship, raising alarming press freedom concerns.

 Published 2 months ago:  Myanmar's military charges AAMIJ News under election protection law as journalist Myat Thu Kyaw remains jailed, drawing international condemnation.

 Published 2 months ago:  Reporters Without Borders has highlighted the alarming threats to journalists in Asia during its annual Press Freedom Awards, drawing global attention.

 Published 2 months ago:  Fiona O'Brien has been appointed as the new CPJ Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, effective February 2026.