In a joint statement issued on Saturday, 20 digital rights and press freedom organizations in Nepal emphasized the need to ensure a propaganda-free information environment along with physical security for fair elections.
What you should know
Various organizations have expressed concerns about cybersecurity and the growing risk of false and misleading information in the upcoming House of Representatives elections. Digital rights activists believe that the systematic spread of disinformation could damage the credibility of the elections, social harmony, and public trust.
20 digital rights and press freedom organizations in Nepal issued a joint statement on Saturday, emphasizing the need to ensure a propaganda-free information environment along with physical security for a fair election.
Digital Rights Nepal, Dignity Initiative, Center for Media Research - Nepal, Freedom Forum, Open Internet Nepal (Internet Society Nepal Chapter), Media Advocacy Group, ChildSafeNet, Digital Media Foundation, Media Action Nepal, Human Rights and Justice Center, Body and Data, Purple Foundation, Nepal Internet Foundation, Nepal Voter Rights Forum, The Story Kitchen, Youth Innovation Lab, Nagarik Awaz, Nepal Peace Institute, Women Leaders in Technology and Accountability Lab Nepal have issued a joint statement.
The statement warns of the possibility of Nepal's elections being turned into a 'testing ground' for disinformation and information manipulation. ‘Although the Election Commission and some civil society organizations appear capable and committed to identifying and analyzing disinformation, we are concerned that the overall election observation mechanism has not been sufficiently proactive in addressing this serious challenge,’ the statement said.
They pointed out that public awareness campaigns against disinformation need to be launched immediately as the voting date approaches. The statement suggested effective coordination between the government, the Election Commission, the media and civil society. The organizations have urged the development of a fact-based refutation system by developing a common mechanism such as a ‘disinformation dashboard’ for editors and journalists.
The organizations have stated that in the digital age, cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but has become a serious issue of national security. It has been suggested that the government should provide adequate resources and manpower to the Cyber Bureau of the Nepal Police as this will directly impact democratic stability and public trust. ‘The Election Commission should immediately coordinate with international social media platforms, including Meta and TikTok, which are widely used in Nepal, and play an active and responsible role in identifying and controlling false and misleading content,’ the statement said.
On the other hand, it has been warned that practicing ‘self-censorship’ by media houses and editors due to any pressure or fear is tantamount to shirk from the basic values of journalism and democratic responsibility. These organizations have stated that the democratic process of elections cannot be ensured only by secure ballot boxes and that public opinion based on accurate and factual information is the main basis for that. Rights activists conclude that the Election Commission should play a leading role in this process, and civil society and other stakeholders should also strongly support it.
