Social media has expanded access to information and expression, but it has also intensified risks such as cyberbullying, fraud and digital violence. Nepal’s alarming rise in cybercrime shows the urgent need for stronger laws and better protection for vulnerable groups. Social media has transformed how people exchange information, offering an easy and accessible platform for communication, creativity and public participation. It has democratised access to information, allowing anyone to produce and consume content and to engage in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. But as its influence grows, so do the risks. Alongside its many benefits, social media has also become a breeding ground for cyberbullying, fraud, harassment and digital violence—problems that demand urgent attention. Globally, concerns over online safety have pushed many countries to propose stricter regulations. Australia, for instance, has introduced a new rule prohibiting children under 16 from operating social media accounts from December 10. The aim is clear: to protect minors from the pressures, manipulation and dangers that increasingly flourish online. Although implementation may be challenging, social media companies have already begun preparing for compliance.
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In Nepal too, the rise in cybercrime is alarming. Women and children are disproportionately targeted, facing harassment, exploitation and emotional distress. In 2018/19, Nepal recorded 194 cases of cyber violence against women and 10 against children. By 2024/25, these figures had surged to 8,000 and 421 respectively. In 2020 alone, the Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau registered around 9,000 cybercrime cases—half of them involving women. Men, meanwhile, are more frequently victims of online fraud. Activists, gender minorities and rights workers are also among those regularly subjected to digital abuse. These crimes inflict deep psychological harm, damage reputations and can sometimes escalate into physical threats. Current laws, such as the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063, are outdated and insufficient to address the scale and sophistication of modern cyber offences. Nepal urgently needs stronger, more comprehensive cyber laws—laws that protect citizens without infringing on fundamental rights. Efforts to draft such regulations have often stalled, and civil society remains vigilant against any attempt to misuse regulation to curb freedom of expression.
As online threats intensify, regulating social media platforms has become essential. Equally important is equipping citizens—especially children and young people—with digital literacy from an early age. Schools must teach safe online behaviour, responsible content sharing and methods to identify risks. The general public should also be made aware of protective measures, from securing personal data to reporting abusive behaviour. Today’s security challenges are no longer confined to traditional crimes. Harm now occurs through screens, messages and digital networks. To stay safe, individuals must be cautious, informed and proactive. And as a country, Nepal must strengthen its laws, institutions and public awareness so that social media remains a tool for empowerment—not exploitation.
