Nepal cracks down on online abuse against flood survivors
Summary
Nepal’s government is taking action against people who post hurtful and abusive comments online about survivors of recent deadly floods. The Prime Minister has warned that those who insult or cause more pain to flood victims could face legal penalties.Key Facts
- Nepal suffered deadly floods recently, and many survivors are using social media to find missing loved ones and demand faster rescue efforts.
- Some people have responded with negative and hurtful comments, adding to the survivors’ suffering.
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah said those who attack victims online are criminals and the government will not tolerate it.
- Police are investigating to find who made the abusive posts by tracking locations and phone numbers.
- A 10-member police committee has been set up to review these online comments.
- Under Nepal’s Electronic Transactions Act, online harassment can lead to up to five years in jail and fines up to 100,000 rupees ($662).
- Some harmful comments may come from people trying to stir up anger ("rage baiting") or from strong government supporters defending officials.
- Nepali groups stress that victims should be treated with care online, not insulted.
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