Action Against Misleading and Hate-Provoking Social Media Content
The Press Council Nepal has intensified monitoring of social media and media content following communal tensions in Sunsari, and
warned against posts that spread violence, hatred, and misinformation. The Council also coordinated with the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau to investigate accounts that refuse to remove harmful content, including those claiming they cannot remove posts because they generate monetization revenue. Of 207 monitored items, 90 contents including 59 from 35 media were found to violate the code of conduct, with removal directives issued for several media and social media posts. Meanwhile, police in Siraha warned
a young man who posted a misleading Facebook Live video suggesting unrest in his village during the heightened religious tensions. Police found no such incident at the location and instructed him to remove the video. Authorities have urged the public to verify information through official sources and avoid sharing unverified content, particularly during sensitive situations.
Women MPs Raise Alarm Over Digital Violence
Women lawmakers have raised concerns over cyberbullying, character assassination, and online harassment, saying digital violence is causing serious mental and social harm. They called for stronger enforcement of existing laws, greater accountability for social media platforms, and a more effective Cyber Bureau. According to Nepal Police data, 20,526 cybercrime complaints were registered in FY 2082/83, with girls reported to face digital violence 46.9% more than boys. MPs urged stronger legal and institutional measures to protect women from growing online abuse.
Nepal Begins Drafting New Telecommunications Bill
The government has begun drafting Telecommunications Bill with plans to table the bill in Parliament in the second quarter of the current fiscal year. The proposed law will replace the Telecommunications Act, 2053 and aims to modernize Nepal’s telecom sector by addressing emerging technologies, improving service quality and accessibility, protecting consumer rights, and strengthening the role of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. The bill is also expected to establish clearer frameworks for radio-frequency and numbering management, telecom infrastructure, digital innovation, investment, and fair competition, drawing on international practices including laws from India, Australia, and the UK.
Nepal Plans Integrated National Mass Communication Bill
The Ministry of Information and Communications has released a concept paper for National Mass Communication Bill, with plans to register it in Parliament within the current fiscal year. The proposed law would replace several existing media laws with a single integrated framework covering newspapers, online media, broadcasting, frequency management, OTT services, media regulation, and journalists’ rights and benefits. The bill aims to strengthen press freedom, professionalism, transparency, accountability, and good governance while addressing the rapid growth of digital and online media. The ministry plans to consult relevant government agencies and stakeholders during the drafting process.
Meta Ordered to Pay $567 Million Over Child Safety
A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay $567 million to a teen mental health fund and implement stronger youth-safety measures after ruling that Facebook and Instagram contributed to harm to children’s wellbeing. The court ordered restrictions on teen usage, notifications, adult contact with minors, AI chatbot interactions, and the handling of child sexual-abuse reports. The measures will remain in place for five years. Meta denied the allegations and said it will appeal the ruling, while maintaining that it is committed to protecting young users. The decision adds to growing legal pressure on social media companies over child safety, privacy, and platform design.
Child Rights Council Warns Against Sharing Children’s Identifying Information
Nepal’s National Child Rights Council has directed Manab Sewa Ashram to immediately remove photos and audiovisual materials on social media that reveal the identities of children under its care. The Council stressed that such content can put children’s privacy, safety, dignity, and mental well-being at risk and reminded the organization to comply with the Childcare Operation and Management Standards, 2079. The Council has also urged all child-care institutions and organizations to ensure that children’s best interests and privacy remain a priority when sharing information or content online.
Hello Sarkar to Become an Integrated Citizen Complaint System
The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers is preparing to upgrade Hello Sarkar into an integrated citizen complaint and service management system. The upgraded platform would bring complaints from phone, website, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and email into a single system, allowing citizens to track complaints and receive updates on action taken. The proposed system would also connect government call centers and integrate complaint handling across federal, provincial, and local governments. It proposes deadlines of 24 hours for urgent complaints, 3 days for highly urgent, 7 days for important, and 15 days for general complaints, with citizen feedback required before a complaint is officially closed. Meanwhile, complaints to Hello Sarkar increased by 321%, from 16,568 in FY 2081/82 to 69,724 in FY 2082/83, reflecting growing public engagement and expectations from government services.
