Kathmandu, Sept 4: Nepali Congress General Secretary and MP Gagan Thapa has strongly criticized the government’s decision regarding social networks, calling it a mistake. He urged the authorities to reconsider and instead introduce proper laws.

On Thursday, Thapa expressed his views through a Facebook post, saying the government should not resort to shutting down social networks. He stressed that an appropriate law should be drafted, especially since a bill related to social networks is already under consideration in the National Assembly.

Thapa emphasized the importance of swiftly preparing laws to make social networks safer, prevent misuse, and regulate them responsibly. Quoting the Supreme Court, he pointed out that legal arrangements are necessary to evaluate, monitor, and hold accountable the content circulated on such platforms, rather than imposing blanket restrictions through guidelines.

“Social media has become a vital platform for citizens to exercise freedom of expression, engage in public debates, and hold the government accountable,” Thapa wrote. He added that social networks also play an important role in social relations, entrepreneurship, the digital economy, and daily life. Any restrictions, he warned, would undermine freedom of expression and the right to information, while also creating cyber risks.

Thapa concluded by urging the government to adopt a balanced and prudent approach, and to show urgency in drafting relevant laws instead of taking steps that curtail digital freedoms.