Govt decides to withdraw social media regulation bill

KATHMANDU: The government has decided to withdraw the Social Media Regulation Bill from the federal parliament.

Government Spokesperson and Minister for Home Affairs, Om Prakash Aryal, said that the cabinet meeting held on Tuesday decided to withdraw the bill that sought to regulate the operation, use, and management of social media.

The bill was presented to the National Assembly in January last year by then-Minister of Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung. Several provisions in the legislation drew criticism from different quarters for infringing on freedom of speech, human rights, press freedom, and democratic values.

The bill had sought to regulate social media platforms and users, prevent misuse of social media platforms, and promote responsible and culturally sensitive usage. Critics had argued that its provisions could have far-reaching consequences on social harmony, democratic governance, and civil liberties.

The government even imposed a ban on social media platforms in September last year. The decision sparked the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9. The movement, partly triggered by the social media restrictions, led to the loss of 76 lives and caused damage worth billions of rupees to both government and private property.