The Social Media Bill 2081 has been registered at the National Assembly to regulate social networking platforms. Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung registered the bill which will convert to Social Media Act – 2081 after approval.
The bill proposes fines and a jail term for violators of the rules. The bill proposes a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh (2.5 million) on individuals or organizations for operating social media without registration. Broadly, the bill is in line with the aim to regulate social media.
Likewise, if anyone performs an act that goes against the country, there will be up to 5 years of imprisonment or up to Rs 5 lakh in fine or both. You may also check out the list of what you can and can’t do on social networking platforms.
Section 19 proposes punishment for cyberbullying. It states that committing the crime of cyberbullying results in up to 2 years of jail or three lakh in fines or both. Similarly, stalking would result in up to three years of jail and Rs 5 lakh in fines. Strict punishment is also in the bill against hackers of other’s social accounts and information.
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Social Media Bill 2081 punishments
The government has proposed the following punishments on different acts on social media:
- On hackers: Section 22 of the bill proposes 3 years of imprisonment and up to Rs 15 lakh in fines or both for hackers of IDs and information. Section 22 also proposes similar sentencing for phishing attackers and imposters.
- On extortion: Section 23 has a punishment proposal regarding sextortion and extortion. The committers could get up to three years of jail and up to Rs 15 lakh in fines or both.
- On posting explicit content: Those who post explicit footage, audio, or video, or share them may get up to three months of jail term. Likewise, such individuals or organizations may get a fine of up to Rs 50,000. The section 24 of the Social Media Bill – 2081 has this provision.
- On spreading fake information: The government has also proposed punishment for posting and sharing adult, fake, or false information. Section 25 of the bill proposes a maximum of two years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 3 lakh.
- On uploading or sharing deepfake videos: For uploading deepfake videos or sharing them, the bill proposes two years of prison or Rs 3 lakh in fines.
- On using anonymous ID to write with malicious intent: Further, Section 27 proposes a law that would also punish writing anonymously on social media. Sub-section 2 of Section 27 holds, “Anyone who creates or uses an anonymous or pseudonymous identity shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding Rs 50,000 or both.” The rule applies to individuals or groups who use a “fake” ID to create malice or write against others, state, or compromise national sovereignty.
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Strict content that comprises sovereignty
The bill also proposes punishment for users who create a pseudonym, permanent or temporary group, page, or any other type of ID and spread false or misleading information that undermines the sovereignty, and geographical integrity of Nepal, or is adverse to national interests. The offender will be punished in accordance with the prevailing law. The punishment will be imprisonment for up to five years a fine of up to Rs 15 lakh (Rs 1.5 million), or both.
Social Media Bill 2081 attracts criticism
The Social Media Bill 2081 has drawn significant criticism from the users and the press. Many have declared that the move attempts to contain free speech. Over the past few days, many social media posts have surfaced that criticize the government’s Social Media Bill 2081.
Our Two Pence on social media regulation
It’s not the first time that the ruling government has tried to regulate social media. But every time there’s a move, it faces criticism. People see social networking sites as a key platform to connect and share. However, they have found it difficult to cope with the government’s regulatory decisions.
On the other hand, the government reasons that the regulation is important to contain vulgarity, misinformation, and fake news. Last year, the government initially banned TikTok on similar grounds. However, the public sees this move as a broader attempt by the government to dull criticism against the government.
Is the government not able to convey its idea properly to the public regarding Social Media Bill 2081? And do you think social media requires some form of state regulation? Do share your opinion in the comments below:
