Criminalization of Social Media by Nepal Government in New IT bill

In addition to this, if social networking sites fails to cooperate in terms of the objectionable contents from removable, they would be entitled to fine up to Rs 30,000 and jail term up to three years or both.

With the new IT Bill the criminalization of social media is seen as a major threat against fundamental right of Freedom of Expression (FoE) and Freedom of Speech.

Section of IT bill that criminalize social media are
Section 94 (1) (b) No one should write anything to promote caste discrimination or untouchability, disrespect labor, incite anybody to commit crime, promote acts undermining peace and security, publish or propagate illegal things or act or incite others to act against public decency and morality.

The Nepal Government has proposed a fine up to Rs 1.5 million and a jail term of five years or both for posting or propagating objectionable contents on social networking sites in the new Information Technology Bill. The IT bill has been in hot debate from last year with its controversial sections of protecting civil rights and restriction that is being imposed by the government. Civil society organizations have been struggling to find a more transparent and open mid solution to the bill giving space of safeguarding people’s right and interest.
 
The new bill also enforces social networking sites to register themselves with Nepal Government within the stipulated time frame. In case they fail to register they can be permanently blocked in the country.

Section 94 (1) (c) No one should write anything to tease, confuse, undermine, discourage, reprimand anybody or to create hatred and enmity or mislead other persons.

Section 94 (1) (d) No one should sell or advertise illegal things or demonstrate or publish such things.

Section 94 (1) (e) No one should write anything with the motive of assassinating anybody’s character or defaming anybody.