{"id":27614,"date":"2026-10-17T07:38:24","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T01:53:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=27614"},"modified":"2026-10-17T07:38:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T01:53:24","slug":"let-us-curb-social-media-anarchy-not-freedom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=27614","title":{"rendered":"Let Us Curb Social Media Anarchy, Not Freedom<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editorial<\/strong><\/p>\n

Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), imo, TikTok, WhatsApp and other digital platforms have become important channels for information, communication and public debate. But when their reach is exploited to spread fake identities, threats, character assassination, sexual abuse, fraud, hate and rumours, citizens\u2019 safety and social trust come under direct attack. The time has passed for dismissing this as merely \u201conline activity.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Nepal Police, 20,526 complaints related to cybercrime were registered in fiscal year 2025\/26. Of these, 7,123 concerned the misuse of Facebook and Messenger, 6,776 involved TikTok and 3,105 involved WhatsApp. Such a high number of complaints in a single year is a serious warning. But complaints are not the same as proven crimes: the fact that 161 cases were filed among the complaints registered with police also shows that the investigation and judicial process must be examined separately. <\/p>\n

The effects of digital crime do not remain confined to screens. Altering and circulating someone\u2019s photograph, humiliating them through fake accounts, threatening to publish private material or inciting ethnic or religious hatred can affect individuals, families and entire communities. Rumours can heighten tensions and sow distrust between groups. It would be an exaggeration to predict that such activity will inevitably break up the country. But it would be irresponsible to ignore the risk that organised campaigns of this kind could weaken social cohesion and public trust in the state.<\/p>\n

Government inaction allows the problem to grow, but rushed controls can create another problem. In the name of curbing social media abuse, no authority should be allowed to treat criticism, satire or opposition to the government as a crime. Nepal\u2019s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the right to privacy. Regulation must therefore rest on clear laws, evidence-based investigations, impartial hearings and procedures that can be challenged in court. Parliamentary records show that a committee report on the Social Network Bill has been submitted. As the bill moves through the legislative process, its scope must be debated openly and scrutinised for its impact on fundamental rights. <\/p>\n

The government\u2019s first responsibility is to identify offenders and bring them to justice. That requires skilled personnel and modern investigative tools for the Cyber Bureau, as well as an accessible process for victims to file complaints. Social media companies must have clear obligations to preserve evidence promptly, respond to serious complaints and comply with lawful orders. There must also be safeguards for complainants\u2019 privacy and a transparent process for reviewing decisions to remove content. Nepal Police has reported widespread misuse of Facebook and Messenger in complaints involving social media, as well as difficulties coordinating with companies based abroad. <\/p>\n

Citizens have an equally important responsibility. Sharing unverified material, trying to mobilise a crowd to punish someone or abusing people through fake accounts is not \u201cfreedom.\u201d What is posted on social media should carry the same sense of responsibility as speech in a public place. Digital literacy, starting in schools and extending into communities, must go hand in hand with support for victims.<\/p>\n

Freedom does not mean unlimited anarchy, and regulation must not become an instrument of authoritarian control. The government must act firmly against crime without silencing legitimate expression. Inaction gives offenders room to operate; arbitrary controls erode public trust. Clear, fair and accountable laws are the way to avoid both.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t <\/div><\/div>\n\t\t