FF joins CSO protest against arbitrary blockage of social media platforms

Freedom Forum joined protest drive of 22 civil society organizations (CSOs) against Nepal Government's arbitrary blockage of social media platforms. The organizations, advocating for freedom of expression and digital rights in Nepal, issued a joint statement on September 4 arguing that this decision of the government is purely administrative and is against the ongoing parliamentary process on the Social Media Bill, and citizen's rights and freedoms. This is a direct attack on constitution's fundamental rights and international democratic principles, it said adding that the ban on social platforms strictly violates rights guaranteed by the Nepal's constitution- freedom of expression, press freedom, right to information, right to association, right to property and right to live with dignity. "Social media platforms are the important spaces for citizens to express their opinions, communicate with each other, participate in public discourse and hold the government accountable. This restriction is not only the government's intent to curb free flow of information and press freedom but also to suppress citizen's access to information," statement argued. Moreover, the ban on social media does not only control the medium, it also directly affects opportunity for citizen's engagement in democratic discourse, thereby weakening good governance. This also obstructs communication and social relationships, limits opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation and halts constructive and critical dialogues in the society, claims the statement. The CSOs call for rational and balanced approach to regulate social media platforms, citing the ban would have a long-term impact on overall democratic values, economic opportunities, social stability and citizens' rights. According to them, Nepal Government misinterpreted the Supreme Court order to impose a ban on the platforms. The court had issued order in the name of government to formulate necessary laws in order to regulate social media platforms on August 18. While the drafted bill for regulation of Social Media Platforms is under consideration at the parliament as per the court's order, the Ministry took an arbitrary decision with an intent to curb citizen's freedom of expression and right to information, which is against the rule of law and democratic values. The government's way of manipulating court's order to justify its arbitrary decision raise serious concerns, reads the statement. Through the joint statement, the CSOs demand:

1. Immediate withdrawal of the arbitrary administrative decision to ban the social media platforms without any legitimate basis,
2. Ensure regulation of social media platforms on the basis of law approved by the parliament in line with constitutionally guaranteed rights to free expression, communication, information, association and international standards for human rights.
3. Ensure meaningful participation of the concerned stakeholders in the ongoing parliamentary process of the laws related to regulation of social media.

The organizations in protest are- Digital Freedom Coalition, Internet Governance Institute, Digital Rights Nepal, Freedom Forum Nepal, Media Action Nepal, Internet Society Nepal Chapter, Antenna Foundation Nepal, Digital Media Foundation, Educating Nepal, Youth IGF Nepal, Forum for Digital Equality, Women's Group for Disability Rights, Media Lawyers Association, Center for Media Research, Online TV Journalists Association, Nepal Internet Foundation, Child SafeNet, Digital Rights Action Group, Information and Human Rights Investigation Center, RTI Federation Nepal, Media Advocacy Group and Information Security Response Team. The National Human Rights Commission has also urged the government to review its decision to ban the social media platforms, warning that it violates citizens fundamental rights and international standards for human rights. The commission recommended the government to adopt alternate regulatory measures rather than imposing ban. Similarly, international organizations including Committee to Protect Journalists, called the Nepal government to revoke the order and restore access to social media platforms, stressing that these are essential tools for exercising press freedom.