Kathmandu.The Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation), the leading organisation in the field of information technology, has expressed its support for the government’s main objective of regulating social media through listing. The CAN Federation has stated that although the initiative to bring the social media platforms within the legal framework is positive, it has urged caution regarding the potential impact of the move to deactivate the social media. The Federation said the absence of formal contact offices of the social media platforms in Nepal due to a lack of registration poses challenges in terms of prevention of crime, misinformation, and personal security issues. "We view the government's decision to bring the social networks the registration process as a positive step.
This will aid in user security, contribute to controlling cybercrime and increasing revenue. However, shutting down important platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube all at once can have a serious impact on education, business, communication, and the daily lives of ordinary citizens,” said the president of the Federation, Sunaina Ghimire Pandey. Pandey emphasised the need to move forward with such measures in a phased manner, stating that this move of the government also poses the risk of Nepal falling behind the world digitally, and that sufficient discussions should be held with stakeholders to bring practical solutions.
According to the Federation, around 70 per cent of small and medium enterprises in Nepal rely on social media for market expansion and customer contact. Similarly, due to the large number of users earning income by posting content on social media, there is a risk that the ban could lead to job losses and businesses collapsing, according to CAN Federation. The Federation has stated that the main means of communication for Nepalis working abroad with their families has been restricted, which negatively affects social relationships and mental health. ---
