The Nepal government’s proposed Social Media Bill 2025 has sparked widespread controversy, raising concerns about its potential impact on freedom of expression and press freedom. The bill aims to regulate social media platforms, combat misinformation, and prevent the misuse of digital spaces. However, critics argue that it could be used to suppress dissent and silence voices critical of the government.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Mandatory Registration: Social media platforms operating in Nepal must register with the government. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from NPR 2.5 million to NPR 10 million.
- Fake Profiles and False Information: Creating or using fake profiles to spread misinformation is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of NPR 1.5 million.
- Content Restrictions: Sharing content that is obscene, misleading, or against national interests could lead to up to two years in prison or fines up to NPR 300,000.
- Government Oversight: The bill grants authorities the power to monitor and regulate content on social media platforms, with penalties for non-compliance.
Implications: A Step Toward Regulation or Censorship?
While the government justifies the bill as a measure to curb online abuse, misinformation, and cyber threats, its vague definitions raise concerns. Terms like “misleading information” or “national interest” could be interpreted broadly, giving authorities excessive power to punish dissenting voices.
- Threat to Press Freedom? Journalists and digital media platforms fear this bill could be a tool for censorship, limiting investigative reporting and public criticism of the government. The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has strongly opposed the bill, calling it a direct attack on press freedom.
- Impact on Citizens: Ordinary users might hesitate to express their opinions freely, fearing legal consequences. Self-censorship could become a norm, affecting the democratic discourse.
- Political Motivation? Some activists argue that the bill is a deliberate attempt by the government to control narratives ahead of elections, ensuring fewer critical voices online.
What Are People Saying?
The bill has received significant backlash from citizens, journalists, activists, and social media users:
🗣️ Shyam Babu Kafle (Human Rights Activist): “The bill is more about silencing criticism than preventing fake news. These punishments are excessively harsh.”
🗣️ Social Media Users: Many Nepali netizens are using hashtags like #NoToSocialMediaBill and #SaveOurVoices to protest against the law, fearing its misuse against political opponents and journalists.
🗣️ Government’s Response: Officials claim the bill only targets misinformation and harmful content, assuring that it won’t be misused. However, past incidents of online suppression raise doubts about these claims.
My Opinion: A Dangerous Precedent
As a journalist, I believe regulating social media is necessary, but not at the cost of fundamental freedoms. Yes, fake news is a problem, but so is government overreach. Laws should protect citizens from online abuse without restricting free speech. Instead of harsh penalties and vague laws, Nepal needs a transparent and accountable system to regulate digital platforms.
The bill, in its current form, poses more risks than benefits. If passed without revisions, it could set a dangerous precedent for digital freedom in Nepal. Do we want a Nepal where speaking out against the government leads to jail time? The answer should be clear.
What’s Next?
The fight against this bill is just beginning. Protests, discussions, and legal battles are expected in the coming months. The question remains: Will Nepal move forward as a democracy that protects free speech, or will it take a step toward digital authoritarianism?
