Kathmandu – Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung has said the government’s proposed social media bill is not intended to suppress criticism or free speech. Speaking at the National Assembly on Tuesday, he explained that the legislation is designed to make digital platforms more accountable as their impact in Nepal continues to rise.
Gurung said social media is increasingly being misused to spread unrest and activities against national interest. He revealed that the government had asked Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to register in Nepal several times, but the company declined, saying it would not follow Nepal’s constitution or laws.
“We requested them three times to register, but they ignored us,” he noted, adding that the Supreme Court has also directed the government to regulate platforms that operate outside the law.
Answering opposition concerns, Gurung said the bill is not about limiting criticism of the government. “This is not about stopping criticism,” he stated. “The goal is to manage how these platforms work and how content is handled.
If harmful or misleading material threatens peace, democracy, or national integrity, it must be corrected.” He stressed that all digital platforms in Nepal must operate within the law to ensure safe and accountable use.
Gurung underlined that the bill is meant to make social media use responsible and transparent. He called on lawmakers to see it as a step to protect democracy and citizens’ rights in the digital age rather than a tool for political control.
