KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has stated that the government plans to introduce a bill aimed at regulating the use and operation of social and online media to address the growing chaos in online media.
Speaking at the 15th general meeting of the Nepal Economic Journalists Association in Kathmandu on Saturday, he criticized online media for creating disorder, while traditional print and broadcast media continue to provide information, criticize the state, and serve the public.
Gurung emphasized that regulating online media has become an urgent need, as it is contributing to attacks on culture and inciting violence in society.
He expressed concerns over the negative impact of online media, stating that it is raising questions about national independence and interests.
He claimed that online media is undermining social harmony and religious tolerance in the country.
“I am particularly concerned about one thing. The print media and broadcast media have not caused us any problems. We have no significant complaints or criticisms regarding their role in providing information, criticizing the state, and serving the public,” he said.
“However, when it comes to online media, the chaos and indiscipline we witness there make regulation the most pressing issue today. This situation is raising questions about our national independence and interests, and it seems there are repeated efforts to disrupt the social harmony and religious tolerance that our society is built upon.”
He also highlighted the lack of a law to address cybercrime, adding that a bill to regulate cybercrime is in the works and will soon be passed by the Council of Ministers
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