PCN flags spread of misleading & hate content on social media ahead of March 5 election

KATHMANDU: Press Council Nepal (PCN) has expressed serious concern over the increasing circulation of misleading, false, and hateful content on social media platforms targeting political parties and candidates contesting the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, the Council said that several platforms operating under the guise of media outlets—without being legally registered or officially recorded as media organizations—are disseminating defamatory, deceptive, abusive, and hate-driven content.

Such activities are reportedly being carried out mainly through YouTube channels, Facebook pages, and short-form video reels.

The Council warned that the spread of such content poses a serious threat to the fairness, integrity, and credibility of the electoral process.

It noted that these platforms have been found violating the election code of conduct during special monitoring conducted by the Council.

Following complaints lodged with Election Commission of Nepal regarding the misuse of social media, coordination has been initiated for monitoring and enforcement actions.

The Council confirmed that it has formally communicated with relevant authorities to ensure appropriate investigation and action.

The Council has placed the offending social media platforms under notice, directing them to immediately suspend content that violates the code of conduct, complete legal registration and documentation as required by law, and publish content strictly within the boundaries of legal provisions, professional ethics, and journalistic standards.

It further stated that platforms continuing to defy the directive and repeat such violations will face investigation and legal action.

Accordingly, letters have been sent to Nepal Police and the Cyber Bureau Nepal Police to initiate necessary proceedings against repeat offenders.