Kathmandu: The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has announced new guidelines titled “Guidelines for Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080” aimed at streamlining the operation of social media platforms in Nepal. According to Article 3 of the guidelines, any individual, company, or organization intending to launch or currently operating a social media platform is required to register with the ministry. Additionally, as stipulated in Article 6, those listed must establish a contact point within Nepal.

The ministry has issued this notification to ensure compliance with the guidelines for all entities operating or planning to operate social media platforms in the country. Non-compliance with these provisions may result in the ministry imposing a ban on the operation of the social media platform within Nepal.

Furthermore, social media platforms registered and operating in Nepal, as per the government decision dated 2080/05/06, are expected to undertake additional responsibilities.

These include supporting the promotion of Nepal’s tourism, conducting nationwide internet security and digital literacy programs, implementing digital assistance programs aimed at enhancing the quality of education in academic institutions, and managing content filtering and moderation to effectively remove materials that incite social discord or contain explicit content. The platforms are also tasked with assisting in combating cybercrimes.