Ashok Chaudhary Accuses Government of Threatening to Shut Down Social Media

Kathmandu — Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Ashok Chaudhary has accused the government of attempting to shut down social media platforms, which are directly linked to the jobs and businesses of hundreds of thousands of Nepalis, through threats.

Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives, Chaudhary said that while there is no disagreement on the need to regulate social media, the government’s threatening approach is against public interest.

He said, “Internet users in Nepal have already crossed 90 percent. The livelihoods and businesses of hundreds of thousands of Nepalis are tied to digital platforms. But the government talks about shutting down Facebook and YouTube in a threatening manner. There is no disagreement about managing social media. The Supreme Court has given a clear order on this.”

Chaudhary further stated that all platforms must be registered and regulated, and the government’s duty is to implement the court’s order. For this, he stressed the need for diplomatic dialogue, legal arrangements, and long-term strategies rather than threats. “The government has resorted to threats. This is an act against public interest,” he added.