In a move that has sparked significant discussion across various sectors, the Nepalese government recently presented the Social Media Council Bill, 2081 BS in the National Assembly. Tabled by the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, the Bill aims to regulate the growing use of social media platforms, holding users and operators accountable for their actions. While the government cites its goal of promoting social goodwill, cultural tolerance, and good governance, there are growing concerns about how this Bill will impact students, particularly in terms of their freedom of expression and online engagement.
Understanding the Social Media Council Bill, 2081 BS
The bill seeks to establish clear guidelines for social media operators and users, focusing on ensuring a safe and secure digital environment. Among its key provisions, it outlines the following:
Licensing for Digital Platforms: Companies or institutions operating digital platforms will need to obtain a license, valid for two years, to run social media sites in Nepal. Failure to comply with the regulations could lead to the revocation of their operating license.
Content Regulations: The Bill targets cyberbullying, identity theft, misinformation, hate speech, deep fake videos, and other harmful digital behaviors. It also aims to control the spread of content that could jeopardize national peace, security, or sovereignty.
Fines and Penalties: Users who engage in harmful online activities such as trolling, spreading false information, or engaging in online harassment could face fines of up to Rs 500,000. This would affect students who are active on social media platforms, potentially limiting their ability to express themselves freely.
How Will This Affect Nepalese Students?
- Impact on Freedom of Expression
One of the main concerns about the bill is its potential effect on freedom of speech and expression. While the government’s intention is to curb harmful content, such as hate speech and cyberbullying, there is worry that the broad nature of the regulations could also suppress legitimate expression. For students who use social media to engage in activism, academic discussions, or even personal expression, the fear of unwarranted censorship or punishment could lead to self-censorship and limited discourse online. - Education and Learning
Many students rely on social media platforms for educational content, online courses, webinars, and knowledge-sharing. However, the new Bill’s stringent content regulations could restrict access to certain types of content or make platforms overly cautious about the content they allow. Students who use YouTube, LinkedIn, and other social media for professional networking, learning, and career growth might find themselves limited by the need for companies to censor certain types of content to comply with the Bill. - Online Privacy and Data Security
One of the Bill’s main selling points is its promise to improve information security, privacy of personal data, and cyber security. While this is an encouraging development, students will need to remain vigilant about their online footprint. The fear of stricter regulations could cause students to reconsider how much personal information they share on social media, which could have implications for those looking to build their online presence, especially for career networking or self-branding. - Fines and Accountability
With fines of up to Rs 500,000 for users who engage in online activities deemed harmful, students may feel more apprehensive about their interactions on social media. The Bill’s broad scope, covering actions such as posting, liking, commenting, or tagging with the “wrong intention,” means that students could be penalized for actions that may seem innocuous or unintentional. This could make students more cautious, reducing their willingness to participate in conversations or share content freely. - A Changing Social Media Landscape
The implementation of the Social Media Council Bill will undoubtedly reshape the way social media operates in Nepal. With stricter regulations on digital platforms, students may find themselves navigating a more controlled online space. This could impact everything from group discussions, student activism, and university-related social media projects to career-building efforts on platforms like LinkedIn. It may also push students to look for new, alternative platforms to communicate or organize, especially if they feel stifled by existing social media regulations.
Conclusion: Adapting to a New Digital Environment
As Nepal moves forward with the Social Media Council Bill, students will need to adjust to the new reality of a more regulated digital space. While the intent of the Bill is to foster a safer, more secure online environment, students must stay informed about how the new regulations will affect their digital interactions. Understanding the implications of the Bill will help students protect their rights to freedom of expression, navigate the new rules on digital conduct, and continue using social media platforms in a responsible and creative way.