नेपाल सम्वत् ११४५ सिल्लागाः २, (२ फाल्गुन, २०८१) फेब्रुअरी १४, २०२५ , शुक्रबार, बाँपीझ्याला ।The Nepal Students’ Union (NSU), a student-led organization affiliated with the Nepali Congress Party, has emerged as the first major student group to protest against the Social Media Bill recently registered in the National Assembly, the upper house of Nepal’s federal parliament. NSU leaders and members staged a symbolic demonstration at Maitighar Mandala, carrying placards with slogans advocating for freedom of expression and questioning the intent behind the bill. The protest also included a symbolic act of “searching” for the star representing freedom of expression on the Nepali Congress flag, which traditionally symbolizes nationality, democracy, socialism, and freedom of expression. The NSU argues that the bill poses a serious threat to citizens’ rights to free speech, information, and privacy, and demands that its provisions be amended through open discussion.
The Social Media Bill has sparked widespread criticism for its vague and restrictive provisions. According to the NSU, the bill mandates the registration of true identities for discussing controversial topics, lacks clear definitions of terms like “obscene” and “hate speech,” allows government monitoring of internet activities, imposes disproportionate penalties, and grants authorities the power to take action outside the judicial system. These provisions have raised concerns about the potential misuse of the bill to suppress dissent and control public discourse. Protesters at the demonstration held placards with messages such as “Dear KP Oli, is speaking a crime in prosperous Nepal?” and “Regulation is required, not control,” highlighting their opposition to what they perceive as an attempt to stifle free expression.
The bill has also drawn strong criticism from press freedom advocates and civil society organizations. Media Action Nepal, a prominent advocacy group, has condemned the bill, stating that it threatens civil liberties and press freedom. The organization argues that the government’s introduction of heavy penalties, ranging from NPR 50,000 to NPR 10 million, is a strategic move to create an atmosphere of fear and silence dissenting voices. Similarly, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has expressed serious concerns about the bill’s potential to undermine constitutional rights. The FNJ warns that without fundamental changes, the bill will not regulate social media but instead severely limit citizens’ freedom of expression.
The growing opposition to the Social Media Bill reflects broader concerns about its implications for democracy and civil rights in Nepal. As the first student-led organization to protest the bill, the NSU has taken a bold stand, symbolizing the youth’s resistance to what they see as an authoritarian move by the government. With press freedom advocates and civil society organizations joining the chorus of criticism, the bill faces mounting pressure for revision. The protests and criticisms underscore the need for a balanced approach to regulating social media—one that safeguards freedom of expression while addressing legitimate concerns about misuse and abuse.
