Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The Nepalese government has drafted a law requiring all companies, firms, or organizations wishing to operate social media platforms in Nepal to obtain mandatory operating permits. The draft law also mandates that existing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Viber, YouTube, and LinkedIn must acquire their permits within three months of the law’s enactment.
Titled the “Bill to Regulate the Operation and Use of Social Media Platforms”, the proposed legislation introduces mandatory registration for social media operators. The government has included provisions for fines and penalties for both platforms and users who fail to comply.
This bill, which was previously posted on the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology’s website for public feedback, is now in its final stages and will soon be presented to the Cabinet for registration in Parliament.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Bill
Renewal of Permits: Social media companies must renew their permits every two years, similar to the licensing system for internet service providers, telecom operators, or hydropower projects. Permit Revocation: Detailed regulations under Chapter 2, Clauses 3 to 9 of the bill outline requirements for obtaining, renewing, and revoking permits.
Application Process: Operators must apply to the Department of Information Technology under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Renewal applications must be submitted with fees at least 15 days before the permit expires.
Platforms operating outside Nepal will need to establish a local contact point in Nepal, failing which their permits could be revoked.
Previous Attempts and Compliance Issues
In 2023, the government issued the “Directive to Regulate the Use of Social Media, 2080”, requiring platforms to register with the Ministry of Communications. However, only three platforms complied with this directive. Meta-operated platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, which have the largest user base in Nepal, and platforms like X and LinkedIn have consistently ignored the government’s requests to register.
Government’s Next Steps
Faced with non-compliance, the government is now preparing to enforce these requirements through formal legislation, compelling platforms to obtain permits. It remains undecided whether the Oli administration will introduce the bill via an ordinance or proceed through a Parliamentary session.
This move signals a stricter regulatory approach towards social media platforms in Nepal, aiming to formalize their operations and ensure accountability.
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