काठमाडौं ।
Digital Freedom Coalition is deeply involved over the federal government intent, expressed by the Minister for Communication and Data Know-how, to impose bans on social media platforms with out following Nepal’s constitutional and worldwide obligations, giving networks a seven-day ultimatum.
Such actions lack transparency and public session, elevating alarms about arbitrary decision-making that would severely influence digital freedoms. Regulatory measures that have an effect on residents’ rights should bear thorough legislative scrutiny, making certain alignment with constitutional ideas and democratic norms.
We recall that social media platforms have turn out to be indispensable instruments for fostering free speech, enabling the suitable to affiliation, and exercising democratic rights. Additionally they play a pivotal position in driving Nepal’s digital economic system, empowering people, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Any try to curtail these platforms jeopardizes these vital contributions.
Restrictive measures on social media can have far-reaching penalties, shrinking the house for the suitable to info and freedom of expression, that are important to a functioning democracy. These controls additionally threaten the sustainability of media shops, making it more durable for journalists to report freely and amplifying the chance of censorship. The blocking of social media platforms would have far-reaching opposed results on the digital economic system, employment, and the general high quality and value of web companies. A major variety of companies — nearly all, whether or not small, medium, or massive enterprises — rely upon social media for advertising, buyer engagement, gross sales, on-line assist, and extra. These companies would endure main operational disruptions, leading to widespread job losses throughout sectors reminiscent of digital advertising, content material creation, on-line commerce, and customer support.
The federal government’s menace to ban platforms beneath “Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023” is inadequate to limit citizen’s rights to entry to info and free speech. The Directives introduced within the absence of parliamentary regulation has raised the considerations from the stakeholders from the start.
The enactment of those directives, with out significant session with stakeholders, violates the ideas of transparency and accountability. Any regulation affecting residents’ rights should align with constitutional mandates and legislative processes. Arbitrary administrative actions shouldn’t infringe upon the constitutional rights of Nepali residents.
The banning or undue restriction of social media platforms will erode civic engagement, stifle democratic practices, and undermine residents’ rights to freedom of expression and affiliation. We name on all stakeholders to prioritize the safety of those rights and work collaboratively to create a authorized framework that fosters a free, open, and inclusive digital setting.
We urge the federal government, platform house owners, and all involved events to:
1. Uphold transparency and respect for nationwide and worldwide legal guidelines, commitments and practices on the safety of freedom of expression and digital rights.
2. Be certain that any authorized framework governing social media is developed via inclusive consultations and cling to constitutional and worldwide requirements.
3. Keep away from actions that threaten democratic values, civic engagement, and the train of basic rights.
The Digital Freedom Coalition, comprising a various group of 11 civil society organizations dedicated to safeguarding digital rights and freedoms in Nepal.
The coalition stands united in addressing the urgent considerations surrounding management over digital house and its implications for democratic values and free speech and the organizer of the Digital Rights Competition, yearly.
