Digital Freedom Coalition, a body representing 11 civil organizations, has expressed its concern over the government’s 7-day ultimatum to ban social media. The body has reasons that social networking platforms are a space that promotes freedom of expression, and the coalition argued that the government’s decision impacted digital freedom.
The coalition pointed to the lack of good governance and undemocratic decision-making, criticizing the government’s stance on the social media ban. For the unaware, the communication ministry has said that it will ban Facebook, Instagram, X, and other such social networks if they don’t get registered. The ministry is making its move in accordance with Guidelines for Managing the Use of Social Media, 2080.
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A ban would undermine digital freedom
“Such actions lack transparency and public consultation, which raises serious concerns about arbitrary decision-making processes and could seriously undermine digital freedoms,” the statement said. “Regulatory measures that affect citizens’ rights must undergo thorough legislative scrutiny, ensuring their compatibility with constitutional principles and democratic norms.”
Speaking on social media, the coalition said that social networks have played a crucial role in promoting the digital economy, empowering individuals, and raising awareness of marginalized communities.
Likewise, it says that the ban would jeopardize the achievements. “Such restrictive measures on social media will have a long-term negative impact on the fundamental values of an effective democracy, adversely affecting the right to information and freedom of expression. These controls also threaten the sustainability of media outlets, making it difficult for journalists to report independently, and increasing the risk of censorship,” the organization said.
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Coalition talks of the impact of the social media ban
The coalition says that the ban on social media will adversely impact the digital economy, employment, and the quality of internet services. It will also be an impediment to businesses such as small and medium enterprises and large enterprises.
The coalition has stressed the government’s lack of consultation with stakeholders before issuing a 7-day ultimatum for a social media ban. It argued that any law that might conflict with the citizens’ rights must be fully consistent with the legislative process and constitutional mandate.
The coalition argues that a ban on social media platforms will weaken people’s participation and undermine democratic principles and practices.
What is your opinion?
We have been through a TikTok ban and reversal. Now, the government is pitching a social media ban if they fail to comply with Nepali rules and regulations. We don’t exactly know the point of conflict between the government and platforms like Meta. It may have to do with how to deal with user content and filtration (maybe or maybe not). But the idea of a social media ban has triggered discussions on a wide scale.
The current Communication Minister, Prithvi Subba Gurung, first had to backtrack from his first stance on Meta and X. Still, now he is adamant that the ban will go ahead if these platforms do not approach the ministry for registration. Nepal has 1.43 crore Facebook users according to Data RePortal, while Instagram is said to have about 40 lakh users. X, which is an Elon Musk-headed platform, is said to have around 5 lakh active users.
What do you have to say about the government’s insistence on banning social media ban over registration? Should Meta and X approach and get registered, or should the government be liberal with policies in facilitating the process? Do express your opinion in the comments section below.