Government Cracks Down on False Advertisements Claiming to Cure Baldness and Clean Kidneys
Authorities from the Advertising Board have taken active measures to control false advertisements, especially related to medicine and treatment, that are widely spread through social media. An official revealed that monitoring of such advertisements has been intensified following complaints from consumers as well as initiatives by the board itself. After receiving numerous complaints about fake medical advertisements, the board has issued advisory notices urging consumers not to trust unauthorized ads appearing on social media platforms.
According to government directives, Nepal Telecommunications Authority officials regularly block inappropriate content and shut down offending websites or applications. The former head of the Advertising Board emphasized the need to raise public awareness about advertisements, particularly those affecting public health and related to medicines. Communication officer Dilliram Suvedi explained that such advertisements are often posted from personal social media accounts. “Individuals create accounts under various names to promote products and provide contact numbers. These advertisements lack official endorsement and are not registered with any authorized institution,” he stated.
Officials pointed out that since legitimate companies or institutions do not place these advertisements, there is difficulty following up on complaints due to a lack of valid contact information. Absence of physical addresses makes it challenging to reach advertisers via phone or email. “When contacted, they often question the nature of the issue and delivery locations, and the language used during communication affects outcomes,” Suvedi added. A list of accounts and links related to complaints has been prepared, and necessary procedures are underway. “Currently, the chairman position is vacant, but once a new chairman is appointed, we plan to intensify efforts on this matter,” Suvedi informed.
The responsibility for blocking and removing content rests with the authority’s review board and is conducted under relevant laws and regulations. “When content needs to be removed or blocked, our role is to recommend the matter to the respective authority or the Cyber Bureau,” said communication officer Suvedi. A director at the authority clarified, “We act upon recommendations from government agencies. We do not independently shut down websites or apps. When content is deemed illegal, we proceed with coordinated action through service providers after receiving official communications from appropriate government bodies,” explained Min Prasad Aryal, director of Nepal Telecommunications Authority.
