Discussion on the Resolution Passed by the National Assembly on Social Media Accountability
Stakeholders have called for the immediate enactment of a new law to hold social media accountable, considering international treaties and agreements. July 26, Kathmandu. Concerned parties have emphasized the need to draft legislation that regulates social media accountability in accordance with international treaties and agreements. On Tuesday, the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) organized a discussion program in Kathmandu on the resolution passed by the National Assembly concerning the use of technology to address gender-based violence. This resolution was unanimously passed by the National Assembly on July 2.
The resolution’s proposer, Renu Chand, stated that social media has become a crucial medium for freedom of expression, and without regulations governing it, severe problems have emerged. She highlighted how the lack of legal frameworks has affected freedom of expression, urging the government to expedite lawmaking efforts, which prompted the introduction of this resolution to the National Assembly. The resolution is supported by Padma Bahadur Pariyar and Roshni Meche.
The resolution was prepared based on seven key points. Member of Parliament Pariyar noted that women and children are the most affected victims of digital violence. He pointed out that the incidence of digital violence is rising, but Parliament has been unable to enact appropriate laws, and the state lacks mechanisms to address the victims, making this resolution particularly important. MP Meche emphasized that the resolution will help the state in supporting lawmaking and raising awareness about the social impact of digital violence.
Following the resolution’s passage, the relevant ministries will report to the National Assembly every three months on progress. Meche also mentioned that oversight will be conducted through committees and that the media can play a role in reducing violence.
Participants observed an increase in misuse alongside the expanding use of social media platforms for exercising rights. Advocating regretfully over two decades since social media’s inception—and the delayed discussion on IT and cybersecurity legislation—FWLD Executive Director Advocate Sabin Shrestha remarked, “Technology has advanced significantly, yet legal discussions are only now beginning.” He added, “Daily, incidents of violence are increasing fourfold, but social media accountability remains unaddressed.” He asserted that implementing the resolution passed by the National Assembly would bring substantial success.
In fiscal year 2021–22, police registered 18,926 incidents of violence, with over 85 percent (17,000) recorded in Kathmandu alone. Of these, fewer than 1.5 percent (218 cases) proceeded to trial. Shrestha attributed this to the absence of appropriate legal frameworks, which has deprived victims of justice. Suggestions were made to parliamentarians to enhance police capacity, conduct public awareness programs, and engage in lawmaking debates and advocacy that address all sectors, communities, and classes to reduce violence.
What Are the Seven Key Points of the Passed Resolution?
The resolution passed by the National Assembly outlines seven main directives for government implementation:
- Legally define new and evolving forms of technology-based gender violence and amend existing laws or enact new legislation accordingly.
- Establish special legal provisions for victim protection, rehabilitation, investigation, prosecution, and compensation.
- Incorporate topics such as digital rights, online safety, and cyber awareness into curricula from schools to universities.
- Conduct regular digital literacy and cybersecurity campaigns extending to local government levels.
- Strengthen institutional mechanisms toward victim-friendly complaint systems, digital evidence preservation, and expedited justice.
- Enhance capacity among investigative bodies, government lawyers, and judicial authorities for effective investigation and prosecution of technology-enabled crimes.
- Legally obligate social media and internet service providers to promptly remove violent content and cooperate with investigations.
