Nepal is intensifying enforcement measures against online abuse targeting survivors of devastating floods that occurred last month, with authorities launching investigations into hostile social media comments. Prime Minister Balendra Shah issued a statement declaring that officials will apply strict penalties to individuals who demean or cause additional suffering to flood survivors during this critical period.
Several survivors have publicly shared experiences of receiving abusive messages after posting about their missing relatives or criticizing search and rescue operations. One woman whose brother has remained missing since the floods struck recounted being subjected to numerous hostile comments after expressing concerns about the pace of rescue efforts. Similarly, a young woman searching for her missing husband attracted derisive responses after posting a video questioning what she perceived as inadequate urgency in recovery operations, with some comments suggesting harmful actions.
Law enforcement agencies have established a dedicated committee to examine online comments and determine their sources, including associated internet addresses and phone numbers. Violations under Nepal’s Electronic Transactions Act carry significant penalties, including potential imprisonment of up to five years and fines reaching 100,000 rupees, or both.
Experts attribute the hostile comments to multiple factors. Dovan Rai, executive director of Body & Data, a civil society organization focused on digital safety in Nepal, notes that some insensitive remarks may stem from users engaged in “rage baiting,” a practice where individuals generate inflammatory content to provoke reactions or increase engagement. Additionally, some hostile comments may originate from strong government supporters, while broader polarization on social media has intensified tensions surrounding criticism of official response efforts.
Meanwhile, other social media users have countered the abusive comments, arguing that survivors require compassion and support rather than condemnation during this vulnerable period.
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