Information Ethics Promotion Unit steps up monitoring
Officials at the Election Commission say the Information Ethics Promotion Unit, operating under the Election Information Dissemination and Coordination Centre, has been systematically scanning social media platforms and online portals since the election code of conduct came into force in mid-January. By the end of January, it had flagged 302 pieces of harmful information and recommended legal or regulatory action.
The categories include outright false claims about voting procedures, misleading graphics about candidates and parties, hate speech targeting communities, and synthetic or heavily edited videos designed to look authentic. The content has been referred to agencies responsible for enforcing the Election Code of Conduct 2082, the Electronic Transactions Act and press regulations.
Closer cooperation with security and platforms
The commission is also working with a special social media monitoring cell that brings together representatives from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department. Police cyber cells in districts are using specialised software to trace the origin of coordinated campaigns and fake engagement.
EC officials say that while the volume of problematic content is worrying, early intervention and cooperation with major platforms are helping prevent some of the most harmful narratives from going viral in the campaign’s final weeks.