Press Council Nepal issues special appeal on social media use

The media regulatory body has developed guidelines to regulate YouTube and Facebook

KATHMANDU, Nov 13: Press Council Nepal (PCN) has issued a special appeal to social media networks, whether affiliated with media organizations or not - particularly YouTube channels and Facebook pages - to ensure that content disseminated through social media is factual and reliable.

PCN issued a special appeal on Tuesday for factual news, stating that the names and addresses of operators, along with other details, must be clearly provided on social media pages.

PCN has stated that it has been carrying out various activities, including monitoring objectionable content seen on social media and conducting behavioral studies to correct and raise awareness about such issues.

In a statement issued by the PCN’s Joint Spokesperson and Information Officer Ram Sharan Bohara, it is mentioned that the PCN has developed and is implementing separate guidelines to streamline and organize the use of social media pages, including YouTube and online TV.

The PCN has stated that if complaints are received or if issues are observed through self-monitoring regarding content disseminated via social media affiliated with media outlets (such as YouTube channels and Facebook pages), action will be taken in accordance with the provisions of the Journalist Code of Conduct. Additionally, if content from other social media platforms is found to spread rumors, incite conflict, transmit obscene material, promote superstitions, or include indecent/disrespectful activities, letters are sent to Nepal Police (Cyber Bureau) for investigation and action.

The statement also mentions that the PCN has taken serious note of recent attempts by some social media platforms (YouTube/Facebook pages) to create false narratives aimed at spreading disdain toward legally registered and established media outlets.

The statement mentions, "The PCN has taken serious note of efforts to create narratives such as 'Do not trust the media; social media is now the official source.'" It has been observed through special monitoring by the Council that social media is being misused to disseminate misleading, rumor-based, and abusive content.

The PCN has stated that many indecent, offensive, and baseless materials found on social media have created confusion among the public. The PCN is taking these activities seriously and is coordinating and facilitating with state agencies as needed to address the issue.

The statement reads, "Complaints have been received that individuals associated with pages and groups under the guise of media exert undue pressure for advertisements, engage in other forms of bargaining, and, if demands are not met or if advertisements are refused, they publish or broadcast false, baseless, and unverified accusations against the concerned institution, company, or person. Press Council wishes to alert all concerned to immediately stop such activities."

The PCN has emphasized that social media can only gain public trust if it is able to disseminate truthful, factual, and balanced information. Before publishing any content, its credibility must be verified. The PCN has also cautioned that the media and affiliated social media platforms will be publicly and legally accountable for any situations created by the opinions or comments made on the content they disseminate.

PCN Chairman Balkrishna Basnet said, "Journalism becomes strong and effective only through the flow of official and reliable information. If social media platforms are used for this purpose, many of the current misconceptions will disappear on their own."

The PCN has clearly stated in its guidelines that social media platforms (such as YouTube channels and Facebook pages) must disclose full details, including the operator's name and office address, just like traditional media outlets. Content disseminated by networks operating without completing legal procedures can be forwarded in writing to the relevant authorities for necessary action if it violates the existing laws.

The statement mentions that to make the media sector organized, reliable, dignified, and prestigious, full implementation of press freedom is essential. It emphasizes that the PCN is always vigilant and active in ensuring adherence to full press freedom established by the constitution and laws, as well as in respecting the commitment of the media to correct mistakes.

The PCN has urged all those involved with, or not involved with, social media platforms, particularly YouTube channels and Facebook pages, to adhere to the existing laws and the code of conduct while disseminating information.

The PCN has also cautioned through the statement not to engage in unprofessional conduct such as abusing the media, spreading misinformation, bargaining for advertisements, threatening if demands are not met, and publishing or broadcasting baseless content.