Pokhara: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, announced that the government is set to introduce a bill aimed at regulating the operation of social networks. This legislation seeks to curb anarchy that is currently being fueled under the guise of media freedom.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Gurung, speaking at a press conference organized by the Press Chautari Nepal Kaski chapter, emphasized that efforts have been made to spread misleading information about the proposed bill. He clarified that the bill’s purpose is regulation, not control, and reassured that democratic values would remain intact under the democratic government.
Minister Gurung also highlighted the necessity of controlling cyber crimes, which are viewed as a threat to nationality, national independence, and unity. He noted that cyber crime is an emerging threat that requires a collaborative effort to combat. In the past 10 months, police offices have registered over 29,000 complaints related to cyber crimes.
Furthermore, the government has introduced the Media Council Bill to regulate all forms of media, including online platforms. The spokesperson also indicated that existing laws in the communication sector would be amended, and new legislation would be introduced to address evolving challenges.