The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), a representative organization of social media platforms, expressed concern over the social media guidelines implemented by the Nepalese government last month and said it was unreasonable and against international standards.

  AIC has sent a letter to the Government of Nepal with a request to further discuss the provisions in the

guidelines, which have been made without necessary consultation with the platform operators and will create obstacles in the operation of foreign-invested businesses. 

Communication and Information Technology Minister Rekha Sharma along with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Communications Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut and Nepal Telecommunication Authority Chairman Purushottam Khanal objected to the government's preparations to ban TikTok along with other social media apps. AIC, which is a member of information technology companies like Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Yahoo, LinkedIn, Rakuten, Spotify, has sent a three-page long letter to the Nepalese government on Tuesday (December 5). It is mentioned in the letter that the main concern is that the government has implemented the 'Guidelines for Regulating the Use of Social Networks, 2080' without necessary discussion with the industry and civil society related to social networks and without giving time for preparation.

'The requirement that social media platforms must be listed in the ministry may discourage foreign direct investment in Nepal,' the letter says, 'The unreasonable and harsh provision to remove content within 24 hours will hinder a proper study of social media platforms' connection with freedom of expression.' Section 8 (b) provides that if a complaint is received about the publication or transmission of illegal content, it will be identified and removed within 24 hours. 

AIC has mentioned in the letter that it is contrary to international practice for the government to ban Tiktok and start monitoring other apps without proper legal provisions. "We value a transparent and fair regulatory process rather than such restrictive initiatives that are undisclosed," AIC said, "Such restrictions can have a negative impact on the psychology of foreign investors and hinder the Nepal government's Digital Nepal goal." If not, the government has been requested to start preparing for virtual dialogue as soon as possible. 

Prime Minister Dahal's information technology expert Prakash Rayamazhi said that he has seen the AIC's letter and the ministry will take necessary action in this regard. On the other hand, the Ministry of Communication has said that the matter is being discussed to be decided within this week. Meanwhile, the ministry has formed a five-member social network management unit for the implementation of the guidelines. An email address has also been created for platform operators and general public.

'We have sent notices to the platforms to be listed in the ministry, we have also translated the directory in English for their convenience,' said Deputy Secretary and Information Officer of the Ministry of Communications, Ramesh Pandey, who is also the coordinator of the unit. They have sent us an email,' Pandey said, 'Snap has also requested for a discussion.'

With the release of guidelines on social media, the government has accelerated efforts to regulate various apps and content. According to the decision of the Council of Ministers, besides banning Tiktok, the government has been actively working on the draft law related to social media. The cabinet meeting on October 27 decided to ban Tiktok. Likewise, the cabinet meeting held on November 7 gave in-principle approval for the drafting of a bill to regulate (operation and management) the use of social media. Since then, a bill committee has been formed under the coordination of Netra Prasad Subedi, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Communications. Narendra KC, communications expert of Communications Minister Sharma, informed Kantipur only a few days ago that the committee is drafting the bill after discussing it with stakeholders and experts.