‘Social Networking Sites should be made balanced, responsible’

Kathmandu, July 22: National Assembly Vice Chairperson Bimala Ghimire has stressed the need of a regulatory system to make social networking sites balanced, responsible and transparent and human rights friendly.

At a programme ‘Discussion on the bill designed to operate, use and regulation of social networking sites-2081’ organised by Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) here today, Ghimire shared that it was necessary to regulate the social networking sites through the bill rather than controlling it.

“The use of social networking sites has become an integral power of information, communication, ideology and movement,” she mentioned, adding it was our shared responsibility to develop a fair, transparent, responsible and human rights friendly regulatory system rather than completely banning it.

The NA Vice-Chairperson urged to discuss on all aspects of the bill in the committee and table in the parliament as the inclusive, democratic and responsible bill by incorporating the suggestions of stakeholders and experts as well as international practices.

Stating that the bill has incorporated appropriate legal provisions, she expressed the belief that cybercrime taking place through the use of social networking sites could be controlled once the bill comes as an act.

Similarly, Chairperson of Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Kamala Panta, Chairperson of legislative Management Committee, Tulasa Kumari Dahal and Chairperson of Public Policy and Delegated Committee, Maya Prasad Sharma put forth their views on the occasion.