The government has introduced a bill in the National Assembly with strict provisions regulating social media operations. The bill, which aims to establish clear legal frameworks for the operation, use, and regulation of social media, proposes stringent actions against organizations running social media platforms without permission and engaging in cybercrimes. It seeks to ensure the systematic, dignified, and safe use of social media while imposing penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for unauthorized operations and digital misconduct.

According to the bill, organizations that operate social media platforms without prior approval could face fines of up to Rs 2.5 million. The legislation also prohibits cybercrimes such as phishing, sextortion, and impersonation while criminalizing the posting or sharing of obscene, false, or misleading content. In cases of cyberbullying, offenders could be sentenced to up to two years in prison, fined up to Rs. 300,000, or both. Additionally, individuals engaging in wrongful activities on social media—such as liking, sharing, commenting, or tagging with malicious intent—could face fines of up to Rs 500,000. However, the bill states that social media users will have the opportunity to present their case before any penalties are enforced.

Government spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that the bill aligns with global trends in social media regulation and addresses the rapid growth of Nepal’s digital landscape. Minister for Communications Gurung emphasized that the law aims to promote social harmony, cultural tolerance, and good governance by ensuring responsible social media use. He argued that regulating social media is essential to making operators and users accountable while safeguarding public discourse.

The bill follows the government’s commitment, as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2023/24 budget, to regulate social media, digital platforms, and digital media. It also builds upon the Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2023, which was deemed insufficient for effective enforcement. Authorities have stated that a more comprehensive legal framework is necessary to bring social media-based media outlets under formal oversight and improve regulatory mechanisms.

A similar attempt to regulate social media was made in 2019 under the KP Oli-led government, but it faced widespread opposition due to concerns over freedom of expression. As a result, the then Minister of Communications, Gokul Baskota, halted the proposed bill. However, the latest legislation underscores the government's determination to bring social media under a formal regulatory framework while balancing digital freedoms with accountability.