2018-03-28
Freedom Forum has been alarmed over the demand of a National Assembly Member to ban the social network as Facebook and twitter.
CPN (Maoist Centre) Member of the National Assembly, the Upper House of the federal parliament, Ram Narayan Bidari spoke in the Upper House that social media should be controlled and regulated in the country.
Speaking at the National Assembly meeting on March 27, Bidari opined, "Social media is quite popular these days. It seems there are no people who don't use Facebook. Twitter is also used widely. There are also Viber and Whatsapp.
He underscored, "The government should not only control and regulate it but make code of conduct. Law is essential to make them more responsible and transparent. Otherwise, it would result in huge loss to the country."
Article 17 clause 2 (a) of the Constitution of Nepal has ensured rights to the freedom of expression to the citizens. Likewise Article 19 of the constitution has also guaranteed the right to communication through any medium, including print, online or other electronic media without any prior-censorship.
At a time when the online media are used largely for fast and convenient access of citizens' to information, Bidari's view is intended to shrink the freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution. Needless to say, FoE is imperative element to functional and vibrant democracy.
Freedom Forum
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Post Box No: 24292
Phone No. 4102030, 4102022
Website: www.nepalpressfreedom.org; www.freedomforum.org.np
Email: monitoring@freedomforum.org.np; info@freedomforum.org.np;