Kathmandu, February 12, 2025 – The government is gearing up to pass the Social Media Regulation Bill in Parliament, with Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung reiterating its importance for fostering a safe and harmonious digital environment. Addressing a national workshop organized by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority on the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2025, Minister Gurung underlined that the bill seeks to regulate, not control or ban, social media platforms.
Minister Gurung stated, “There has been misinformation suggesting that regulation means restricting access to platforms like Facebook. This is completely untrue. The aim is to promote responsible and civilized use of social media for a better society.” He further emphasized that the bill would address the misuse of social platforms that disrupt social harmony, while ensuring freedom of expression is not compromised.
The minister also highlighted the broader efforts of the ministry, including drafting policies on artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security, along with revising outdated laws to make them relevant to contemporary challenges.
Radhika Aryal, Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, noted the increasing threat of cyber security breaches and the ministry’s focus on involving private sector collaboration to create a robust framework for the IT sector. “A systematic approach is crucial to tackling cyber threats and ensuring the sector’s sustainability,” Aryal stated.
Meanwhile, Laxmi Kumari Basnet, Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, brought attention to the vulnerabilities of women and children in unsafe online environments. She pointed out that issues like human trafficking have been exacerbated by unregulated internet use and urged the government to prioritize digital literacy.
The Social Media Regulation Bill has faced resistance from some groups, which Minister Gurung labeled as “undemocratic forces.” However, he remains resolute in the government’s plan to pass the bill, underscoring its potential to manage unregulated expressions without undermining democratic rights.
As debates continue, the proposed legislation signals a critical step toward ensuring a safe, respectful, and accountable digital space in Nepal.
