Kathmandu, January 28
The government has registered a bill on social media in Parliament, proposing stringent penalties for cyberbullying and misuse of digital platforms.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, who is also the government spokesperson, introduced the bill in the National Assembly. Chapter 5 of the bill outlines offenses and penalties, including up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 500,000, or both for cyberbullying.
The bill defines cyberbullying as using digital devices connected to the internet to share, post, or transmit harmful or offensive statements, words, symbols, images, sketches, photos, audio, video, audiovisual content, signs, or messages on social media or cyberspace. It includes actions intended to harass, intimidate, threaten, shame, insult, defame, or spread rumors about individuals.
The legislation prohibits operating social media platforms without authorization, engaging in activities against national interests, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. It also bans hacking, phishing, impersonation scams, and the dissemination of obscene, false, or misleading content. Uploading or spreading deepfake videos has also been made a punishable offense.
The bill seeks to ensure stricter regulation of social media platforms and digital activities to prevent misuse and protect users from harmful practices.
