A law to regulate social media networks has been approved by the government

A new social media regulation bill that outlines user standards and sanctions for infractions has been adopted by the government.

The bill has already drawn criticism from a number of political figures, digital rights advocates, and specialists who have questioned the government’s intentions.

Previous administrations attempted to enact legislation governing social media, citizen use, codes of ethics, and mechanisms for penalizing offenders.

The minister of communication and information technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, declared, “A new measure to govern social media will be introduced.” “The bill was approved at a Cabinet meeting last week, but it is unclear if the government will table it in Parliament or introduce it through an ordinance.”

At a gathering in Kathmandu on Saturday, Gurung stated that the public is receiving essential information from mainstream media, including print and broadcast media. “However, social media is causing chaos, which must be managed.”

He emphasized the need for control and charged that “some online media” were “helping undermine our culture and promoting violence.” “National independence, national interest, and sovereignty have been questioned as a result of the chaos of social media and the internet. Thus, these media are undermining religious tolerance and tearing apart society, the minister claimed.

Senior Nepali Congress politician Shekhar Koirala, speaking at a ceremony in Kathmandu on November 14, called for a revision of the proposed social media bill, stating that any legislation should respect the spirit of the constitution.

Koirala stated that before drafting legislation, the government has to consult with interested parties and review some laws pertaining to the control of social media and new media.

The proposed bill’s content is worrisome, according to advocate Baburam Aryal, who has been outspoken regarding media rights and laws. “Although I’m not sure, it’s troublesome if the Cabinet approved the same content,” stated Aryal, who is holding a copy of the proposed measure.

Minister Gurung stated his desire for the measure to be passed as soon as possible. During the Cabinet’s approval of the law, “I instructed the prime minister to present the bill as an ordinance, which will subsequently be approved by Parliament.”

Advocate Aryal, however, claimed that the draft bill had many problems. It will weaken the legal and judicial systems and give the administrative branches needless authority to act and impose penalties. In the end, this will weaken the constitutional and legal screening of internet information, Aryal stated.

However, Minister Gurung said that the things that were going around on social media really disturbed him.

“Neither print nor broadcast media provide any problems for us. They are essential to the government because they protect the public’s right to information. Online media is our issue,” Gurung stated.

“Online and social media chaos necessitates immediate regulation,” Gurung stated. “For this reason, concerns are constantly brought up in relation to our national interests and independence.”

However, the proposed bill has numerous faults, according to academics, campaigners, and supporters of press freedom. The new bill mandates social media businesses to register in Nepal in addition to regulating online media. There are now just two social networking sites registered in the nation. A number of other people have voiced their concerns and refused to register, claiming excessive regulation and burdensome terms and conditions. Social media companies must pay Nepal’s appropriate taxes and royalties after registering.

Other than Viber and TikTok, no social media company has consented to register in Nepal.

“The new bill is not in accordance with the constitution and does not support freedom of expression,” Aryal stated.

Minister Gurung, however, seems adamant.

“The usage and regulation of social media platforms has already received Cabinet approval. The bill has not been adopted because our Parliament is not in session. Gurung stated, “I have been asking the prime minister to introduce it as an ordinance.” “Social media regulation must begin today.”

Additionally, he drew attention to the absence of legislation governing cybercrimes and stated that the government was working on a new law that “will soon be approved by the Cabinet.”