The Social Media Bill, 2081 proposed by the Government of Nepal is not a protection of citizens' freedom of expression, it is a legal weapon to strangle the throat.

This bill not only suppresses the voice against the government, but also attempts to impose a kind of digital dictatorship. If we look at the provisions of the bill, the government has made permission mandatory for operating social networks. It is planned to fine lakhs of rupees to those who criticize the government or post content 'inimical to the national interest'. There is a provision that the government can be directed to remove any content that it finds uncomfortable, otherwise a fine of up to one crore rupees will be imposed. Is this bill for the people or for the government?

Proposing such a repressive law in a democratic country like Nepal is shameful in itself. Disagreement with the government is not a crime, but a characteristic of a healthy democracy. If a government cannot tolerate criticism, that government is not democratic, it is authoritarian. After the implementation of this bill, the government will be able to silence citizens whenever they want. The government seems to be looking for ways to hide its weaknesses rather than regulating social media. People are angry with corruption, inaction and anti-people policies in Nepal. Instead of solving the problem, the government wants people to not speak. The freedom of expression given by the Constitution of Nepal is not something that runs with the permission of the government. We need a government that does not stop criticism, but seeks improvement from criticism. If the government forcefully passes this bill, the Nepali people will not be silent.

– Santosh Simkhada , Tokyo, Japan