Proposed social media bill of Nepal raises concerns of freedom of speech

A draft legislation by the Nepal government proposing to impose penalties for ‘improper’ social media posts has raised concerns regarding freedom of speech and stifling dissent. Any posts that are deemed defamatory or against the nation can be punished with up to five years in jail and a fine of 1.5 million Nepalese rupees. The government can also instruct social media sites to take down posts, failure to do so could attract a three-year jail sentence and a fine of 30 000 Nepalese rupees. The legislation will also give the government the power to block social media platforms unless they register in Nepal.