Kathmandu, Nepal – Imagine facing a Rs. 2.5 million fine or five years in prison just for posting an opinion online. That could soon become reality under Nepal’s controversial Social Media Bill, introduced in the National Assembly.
While the government argues that the bill is essential to curb misinformation and maintain social harmony, critics warn that it could silence free speech, restrict digital freedom, and hurt students and content creators the most.
What’s in the Bill?
The bill, proposed by Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, introduces strict regulations for social media platforms and users. Here are the key provisions:
🔹 Mandatory Licensing – Social media companies must obtain a government license, renewable every two years.
🔹 Content Censorship – Authorities can remove content deemed a threat to national security, public order, or social harmony.
🔹 Strict Penalties – Sharing “misinformation” could lead to fines of up to Rs. 2.5 million or five years in prison.
🔹 Regulation of Influencers & Bloggers – Digital creators, including students and entrepreneurs, will need to comply with government guidelines.
🚨 These new rules could change how Nepalese people use the internet forever. 🚨 Why Are Students & Creators Concerned?
Nepalese students, educators, and digital entrepreneurs are worried about how this bill could impact their education and careers. Here’s why:
⚠️ Self-Censorship & Fear – Students may avoid discussing politics, activism, or even social issues online due to fear of penalties.
⚠️ Limited Access to Educational Resources – Overregulation could block access to research materials, academic discussions, and digital learning tools.
⚠️ Barrier to Online Careers – Young entrepreneurs, content creators, and social media influencers may struggle to continue their work due to new restrictions.
⚠️ Control Over Public Opinion – Many fear the bill could be used to silence dissent and limit online debates on important social and political issues.
💬 Sujan Shrestha, a university student and digital creator, voiced his concerns:
"If this bill is passed, students like me could lose access to knowledge, career opportunities, and even our right to express opinions online."
Massive Public Backlash
The bill has sparked huge opposition from student groups, digital rights activists, and legal experts. Many fear the vague language in the law could lead to unfair censorship.
🔥 Social media protests have already started, with thousands of students and activists criticizing the bill online.
📢 "This law could be weaponized to silence people," warns digital rights lawyer Anisha Gautam. "We must ensure it does not suppress free speech under the pretense of regulation."
Government’s Response
Despite the backlash, the government maintains that the bill is necessary. Minister Gurung defended the law, saying:
"We are not suppressing free speech. We are simply regulating social media to prevent fake news and harmful content."
Officials have hinted at possible revisions, but activists remain skeptical about whether student concerns will be addressed.
What Happens Next?
As Nepal moves closer to passing this bill, the big question remains:
💡 Will it protect the nation from misinformation, or will it silence Nepal’s youth and limit digital freedom?
📣 What do YOU think?
🔁 Share this NOW to spread awareness!
🚨 Use the hashtags to join the conversation: #NepalSocialMediaBill #FreeSpeech #DigitalRights #BolnaDeSarkar