Last Updated on by ICT Byte
Government Introduces Strict Social Media Regulations with New “Social Media Act, 2081”
In a move to tighten control over social media platforms, the Government of Nepal has proposed the “Social Media Act, 2081.” The bill, registered by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in the House of Representatives on Monday, introduces strict measures to hold both social media users and platform operators accountable for online activities.
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Using offensive language, defamatory trolls, or hate speech | Fine of up to NPR 500,000 |
| Spreading false or misleading information | Fine of up to NPR 500,000 |
| Harassing, threatening, intimidating, or spreading rumors | Up to 2 years imprisonment, fine of up to NPR 300,000, or both |
| Cyberstalking | Up to 3 years imprisonment, fine of up to NPR 500,000, or both |
| Hacking, stealing passwords, or unauthorized access to accounts/systems | Up to 3 years imprisonment, fine of up to NPR 1.5 million, or both |
| Phishing or impersonator scams | Up to 3 years imprisonment, fine of up to NPR 1.5 million, or both |
| Sextortion | Up to 3 years imprisonment, fine of up to NPR 1.5 million, or both |
| Posting gruesome images or videos | Up to 3 months imprisonment, fine of up to NPR 50,000, or both |
| Publishing obscene materials | Up to 2 years imprisonment, fine of up to NPR 300,000, or both |
| Imitating someone’s face or voice to spread false information | Up to 2 years imprisonment, fine of up to NPR 300,000, or both |
| Creating anonymous or fake identities to post content | Up to 3 months imprisonment, fine of up to NPR 50,000, or both |
| Operating anonymous pages/groups against national interest | Up to 5 years imprisonment, fine of up to NPR 1.5 million, or both |
Mandatory Approval and Complaint Handling
Under the new bill, all social media platforms operating in Nepal must obtain mandatory approval from the government. Additionally, platforms will be required to appoint a designated contact person to address and resolve user complaints effectively. This step aims to ensure better accountability and user protection.
Prohibited Activities and Penalties
The bill outlines several prohibited activities to curb the misuse of social media. These include:
- Using offensive language or creating defamatory trolls with audio-visuals or images.
- Spreading hate speech or engaging in actions that harm someone’s reputation.
- Disseminating false or misleading information.
Violators could face fines of up to NPR 500,000 for such offenses.
Stricter Punishments for Serious Offenses
The proposed legislation also targets more severe online misconduct:
- Harassment and Cyberbullying: Harassing, threatening, intimidating, or spreading rumors via social media could result in up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to NPR 300,000, or both.
- Cyberstalking: Offenders could face up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to NPR 500,000, or both.
- Hacking and Phishing: Unauthorized access to someone’s computer system or social media account, stealing passwords, or engaging in phishing scams could lead to up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to NPR 1.5 million, or both.
- Sextortion: Similar penalties apply to sextortion offenses.
Regulation of Harmful Content
The bill also addresses the sharing of harmful or inappropriate content:
- Posting gruesome images or videos could result in up to three months of imprisonment, a fine of up to NPR 50,000, or both.
- Publishing obscene materials could lead to up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to NPR 300,000, or both.
- Imitating someone’s face or voice to spread false information could result in up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to NPR 300,000, or both.
Anonymous and Fake Accounts
Creating anonymous or fake identities to post content could lead to up to three months of imprisonment, a fine of up to NPR 50,000, or both. Operating a page or group with an anonymous or fake identity to carry out activities against national interest could result in up to five years of imprisonment, a fine of up to NPR 1.5 million, or both.
Aim of the Bill
The “Social Media Act, 2081” aims to create a safer and more responsible digital environment in Nepal. By introducing stricter regulations and penalties, the government hopes to curb cybercrime, protect users’ privacy, and promote responsible use of social media platforms.
The bill is currently under discussion in the House of Representatives. If passed, it could bring significant changes to how social media is regulated in Nepal, marking a new era of accountability in the digital space.
