New ordinance empowers Press Council to monitor social media accounts of media outlets
Summary
The government has issued an ordinance expanding Press Council Nepal’s authority to monitor and act against social media accounts operated by media outlets. The move also extends the journalistic code of conduct to media professionals, content creators and influencers when they engage in journalistic activities.
Key Points
- The ordinance gives Press Council Nepal power to monitor social media accounts run by registered media outlets on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, X and TikTok.
- It extends the journalistic code of conduct to media professionals, content creators and influencers when they perform journalistic work, while excluding personal opinions and entertainment content.
- The council can investigate complaints or act on its own initiative, and it can order apologies, clarifications or corrections from violators.
- The ordinance also makes news agencies editorially accountable and will take effect after presidential issuance.
