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Thu, February 13, 2025

Nepal's social media bill raises free speech concerns


Published on 2025-02-13 10:01:19 - MSN
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  • Critics argue that Nepal's proposed social media bill could stifle free speech, with provisions that grant the government sweeping powers to regulate online content.

The article from MSN discusses Nepal's proposed Information Technology Bill, which has sparked significant concerns over freedom of speech. The bill aims to regulate social media content by imposing strict penalties for posts deemed harmful to "national unity" or "public decency." Critics argue that the legislation's vague definitions could lead to censorship and the suppression of legitimate expression. The bill includes provisions for imprisonment and fines for offenses like spreading false information or content that could incite hatred. Human rights organizations and journalists have voiced opposition, fearing it could be used to stifle dissent and control online narratives. The government, however, defends the bill as necessary to combat cybercrime and protect societal values, highlighting the tension between security and freedom of expression in Nepal's digital landscape.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-za/politics/government/nepal-s-social-media-bill-raises-free-speech-concerns/ar-AA1yZ9UM ]
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