Former chairs of FNJ object Social Media Bill

Kathmandu: Former presidents of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) have objected to the Social Media Bill.

The Bill that is registered in the National Assembly at present is designed to regulate the operation, use and management of social media in Nepal.

At a civic dialogue organized by the Human Rights and Peace Society here Friday, the former Presidents of the FNJ voiced their concerns over the Bill stating that the Bill could stifle the freedom of expression.

Harihari Bihari observed that the Bill undermines the freedom of expression. He criticized the lack of clarity surrounding the role of lawmakers and parliamentary committees while passing the bills. Echoing similar sentiment, Kishore Nepal claimed that such Bill would not do good to anyone.

Taranath Dahal argued the Bill was brought with the intent to impose a controlled democracy. He asserted that the problems surfaced since the Bill was introduced without holding meaningful discussions with stakeholders, relevant agencies and public.

Society’s President Renuka Poudel and other participants representing civil societies and organizations univocally demanded immediate withdrawal of the Bill, claiming that the Bill threatens the freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution.

Some drew attention towards the ambiguous languages in the Bill while others stated that there was no mention about the rights of the social media operators.