Nepal cracks down on online abuse of flood survivors – BBC News
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Nepal is cracking down on online abuse directed at survivors of last month’s deadly floods
By Kelly Ng and Binita Dahal, BBC Nepali
Prime Minister Balendra Shah warned that authorities will "show no leniency" to people who "belittle" those suffering in the aftermath of the floods.
"People who make unnecessary remarks, belittle those in pain or seek to cause them further suffering at this sensitive time are criminals," Shah wrote in a Facebook post.
Nepali police are investigating the sources of these comments to identify and take action against perpetrators.
Cases of Online Abuse
A woman, searching for her missing brother, criticized slow search and rescue efforts and received "many nasty comments".
"We are already suffering so much and this has only added to our pain," she wrote.
Another woman expressed anger over perceived government inaction in finding her husband, leading to insults like: "Jump into the river and help with the search."
However, some users have spoken out against these insensitive remarks.
Legal Action
Nepali police have formed a 10-member committee to look into the online comments under the Electronic Transactions Act, which allows for up to five years in jail and a fine of up to 100,000 rupees (approximately $662; £490).
Dovan Rai, from Body & Data, suggests some comments could be attributed to "rage baiting" or extreme government supporters.
"There is also extremism that is very sympathetic to the government and condemns those who question it… polarizing the dialogue on social media."
