FNJ expresses concern over Online Directives

Kathmandu, March 23: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has expressed concern over the issuance of the Online Media Operation Directive-2016, arguing it is repressive and a threat to undermine press freedom and freedom of expression online in Nepal.
The implementation of the Directive launched by the former government was postponed as the objection to it poured in from all quarters including the Federation, the umbrella organization of the journalists, and freedom of expression practitioners across the country.
A task force was formed comprising stakeholders following the objection to the Directive which had furnished recommendations to make the Directive regulatory one rather than cramping the online media at this age of information and technology.
The Ministry of Information and Communications on June 14, 2016 had approved the Online Media Operation Directive-2016 to regulate online media in the country.
FNJ, issuing a press statement on Thursday blamed that the government issued a new Directive overlooking the recommendations of the taskforce. The Federation also accused that the new Directive had referral to the old one.
The FNJ has demanded with the government to revoke the Directive, stating that it aimed to exercise control over the freedom of press and online media that are flourishing in the country in the wake of growing internet penetration. RSS