Kathmandu: The government has unveiled a comprehensive bill aimed at regulating social media platforms, integrating provisions from a previous draft initiated during the tenure of former Communications Minister Gokul Baskota. Released for public scrutiny by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT), the draft bill introduces fines ranging from Rs 500,000 to Rs 2,500,000 for social media misuse.
The proposed legislation extends its reach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation and provides explicit definitions for offenses such as hate speech and cyberbullying. The bill’s administrative structure, led by political figures, features the Social Media Regulatory Council, composed of MoCIT, the MoCIT Secretary, and the Director General of the relevant department. This council, operating under political leadership, gains authority to issue content removal instructions on social media platforms.
Under the direct guidance of the Central Council, the Social Media Management Center will possess the right to instruct content removal. The proposed Central Council, headed by MoCIT, oversees the complex regulatory framework. Additionally, the bill reintroduces the concept of social media registration, allowing companies and individuals to apply for registration, subject to renewal and cancellation provisions.
Despite facing opposition in the past for potential impacts on freedom of expression, the bill maintains the social media registration provision. The legislation outlines offenses, including cyberbullying, online bullying, creation of fake IDs, phishing, scams, and unregistered social media operation. Criminal actions such as influencing elections, insulting, and defamation are categorized, with proposed fines of Rs 2,500,000 for unregistered social networks and up to Rs 500,000 for other offenses.
The bill, however, remains silent on measures for currently operating unregistered social networks. It sets clear limits and conditions for social media users, recommending further investigations and payment of compensation in cases involving personal privacy. The proposed legislation marks a significant step in shaping the regulatory landscape for social media in Nepal.
The government has unveiled a comprehensive bill aimed at regulating social media platforms, integrating provisions from a previous draft initiated during the tenure of former Communications Minister Gokul Baskota. Released for public scrutiny by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT), the draft bill introduces fines ranging from Rs 500,000 to Rs 2,500,000 for social media misuse.
The proposed legislation extends its reach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation and provides explicit definitions for offenses such as hate speech and cyberbullying. The bill’s administrative structure, led by political figures, features the Social Media Regulatory Council, composed of MoCIT, the MoCIT Secretary, and the Director General of the relevant department. This council, operating under political leadership, gains authority to issue content removal instructions on social media platforms.
Under the direct guidance of the Central Council, the Social Media Management Center will possess the right to instruct content removal. The proposed Central Council, headed by MoCIT, oversees the complex regulatory framework. Additionally, the bill reintroduces the concept of social media registration, allowing companies and individuals to apply for registration, subject to renewal and cancellation provisions.
Despite facing opposition in the past for potential impacts on freedom of expression, the bill maintains the social media registration provision. The legislation outlines offenses, including cyberbullying, online bullying, creation of fake IDs, phishing, scams, and unregistered social media operation. Criminal actions such as influencing elections, insulting, and defamation are categorized, with proposed fines of Rs 2,500,000 for unregistered social networks and up to Rs 500,000 for other offenses.
The bill, however, remains silent on measures for currently operating unregistered social networks. It sets clear limits and conditions for social media users, recommending further investigations and payment of compensation in cases involving personal privacy. The proposed legislation marks a significant step in shaping the regulatory landscape for social media in Nepal.