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Mandatory Registration for Social Media Platforms
The Government of Nepal has issued a warning stating that social media platforms operating in the country without official registration will face a ban. In a notice released on Monday, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) emphasized that failure to register and appoint a contact person in Nepal would result in strict action against such platforms.
Compliance with New Directives
The ministry has directed all social media platforms to comply with the provisions outlined in the Social Media Usage Management Directive, 2080 (2023). According to this directive, all social media platforms operating in Nepal must register with the ministry. Clause 3 of the directive mandates that any individual, company, or organization intending to operate a social media platform in Nepal must officially register their network with the government.
Appointment of Local Representatives
In addition to registration, Clause 6 of the directive requires each social media platform to appoint a local contact person in Nepal. The ministry has instructed all concerned individuals, companies, and organizations to complete the registration process and adhere to the regulations. Failure to comply with these requirements may lead to a ban on the operation of non-compliant platforms within the country.
Additional Responsibilities for Social Media Platforms
The directive also outlines additional responsibilities for social media platforms in Nepal. They are expected to support tourism promotion and assist in national cybersecurity and digital literacy campaigns. Furthermore, these platforms must contribute to the digital transformation of the education sector by enhancing the quality of education in schools and colleges.
Regulation of Content and Cybersecurity Measures
The directive mandates social media platforms to collaborate with government agencies to remove illegal or inappropriate content that disrupts social harmony or promotes cybercrime. Additionally, they must implement appropriate technologies for content filtering and moderation in Nepali and other national languages.
Government’s Call for Cooperation
The ministry has urged all stakeholders to comply with these provisions and cooperate in ensuring a secure, well-regulated digital environment in Nepal.
Controversy Surrounding the Directive
This warning from the government comes at a time when the newly proposed Social Media Bill has been facing strong criticism in parliament. The move to enforce social media regulations through an existing directive is seen as a significant step toward controlling digital platforms in Nepal.
