The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has issued a public notice requiring international social media companies operating in Nepal to register with the government and designate a local point of contact. The directive, announced on Monday, is part of the ‘Directive for Managing the Use of Social Network-2023,’ which aims to regulate the operation, use, and monitoring of social media platforms in the country.
The decision follows a Cabinet meeting and the introduction of a Bill in the National Assembly on January 28, which outlines provisions for overseeing social media activities in Nepal. Joint Secretary and Ministry Spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur confirmed that the notice aligns with the proposed Bill.
The notice emphasizes that failure to comply with the registration requirement could result in a ban on the operations of non-compliant social media platforms in Nepal. “If the provisions of the directive are not adhered to, the ministry reserves the right to prohibit the functioning of such platforms within the country,” the notice stated.
Additionally, the directive outlines several responsibilities for social media companies operating in Nepal. These include supporting tourism promotion, enhancing cybersecurity, and contributing to digital literacy initiatives. Companies are also expected to aid in the digital transformation of the education sector, particularly in improving the quality of education in schools and colleges. Furthermore, they must implement effective content filtering and moderation technologies, especially for content in Nepali and other national languages. Social media platforms are also required to cooperate with government authorities to remove unlawful or inappropriate content that threatens social harmony or encourages cybercrime.
This move underscores the government’s efforts to ensure accountability and responsible use of social media while leveraging its potential for national development.