From: George Sadowsky <George.Sadowsky@nyu.edu> Subject: Re: Burma Bans modems Here is the text of the web page referenced below: RANGOON, BURMA, 1996 SEP 27 (NB) -- Burma has made owning, using, importing or borrowing a modem or fax machine without government permission a crime, punishable by up to 15 years in jail, according to a report by United Press International. Burma's military government has imposed what's called "The Computer Science Development Law" which empowers the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs to specify what exactly can be restricted, UPI reports. UPI quotes the government-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar as saying the same punishment is prescribed for anyone who sets up a link with a computer network without the prior permission of the ministry, or who uses computer network and information technology "for undermining state security, law and order, national unity, national economy and national culture, or who obtains or transmits state secrets." UPI reports that in July a diplomat, Leo Nichols, died in prison after he was sentenced to a lengthy term for illegal possession of fax machines. It's clear from this action that the SLORC, i.e. the "State Law and Order Restoration Committee" (sic!) understands full well the benefits and importance of the Internet and other forms of electronic communication to open societies, and is determined to deny these benefits to its citizens. Given its recent history and the quasi-imprisonment of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, this new action is perfectly consistent with the government's previous abysmal record. Countries who would deny open Internet access to its citizens might well pause to consider if they wish to be associated with the current government of Myanmar in doing so. George Sadowsky, Director Voice: +1.212.998.3040 Academic Computing Facility Fax: +1.212.995.4120 New York University 251 Mercer Street George.Sadowsky@nyu.edu New York, New York 10012-1185 http://www.nyu.edu/acf/staff/sadowsky/ --j You can retrieve my PGP public key by sending mail with subject "send pgp key". Take a look at www.Program.com for a good programmer web site.