In a significant move, Cabinet meeting has approved the ‘Directives on the Operation of Social Networking 2023’ on Thursday, requiring prominent social media platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube to establish liaison offices within the country.
The decision comes in response to a growing number of complaints from users who found it challenging to address concerns and report objectionable content due to the absence of company representatives in Nepal.
Under the new directives, these platforms must set up offices or appoint focal persons in Nepal within three months.
Additionally, companies are obligated to register their social media platforms with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, with non-compliance risking platform shutdowns.
The directives also outline a 19-point list of prohibited actions for users on platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
Users are forbidden from creating fake IDs, spreading hatred based on gender, community, caste, religion, profession, or any specific group.
The rules also explicitly prohibit posts promoting activities such as child labor, human trafficking, child marriage, polygamy, hate speech, defamation, and various forms of explicit content.
The comprehensive set of directives aims to curb the misuse of social media, addressing issues like cyberbullying, terrorism-related content, fake news, and the promotion of illegal activities.
The move signifies Nepal’s commitment to fostering responsible and accountable social media usage within its borders.