Press Council takes action against nine YouTube channels

Kathmandu, Nov 19: Press Council Nepal has taken action against nine YouTube channels for disseminating inaccurate and fabricated content, accusing them of promoting anarchy.

Among these, three unregistered channels have been recommended for further investigation by the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police.     

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Council also directed the immediate removal or suspension of unverified and one-sided content posted on social media platforms, particularly YouTube. The statement stressed that only the dissemination of authentic and credible information can strengthen journalism and make it meaningful.     

The Council has urged one and all to refrain from spreading misinformation/ disinformation. It has been actively monitoring objectionable content on social media as part of its effort to combat misinformation and raise public awareness.     

Chairperson of the Press Council Nepal, Balkrishna Basnet, stated that the Council is currently working to regularize and facilitate YouTube channels and online TV channels through specific procedures. He also expressed concern over the recent circulation of one-sided, unauthentic, and fabricated content about Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on certain social media platforms.     

Furthermore, Chairperson Basnet reaffirmed that any media or platform claiming to be a media outlet must operate abiding by the established code of conduct. "No one is above the law."     

"Media and social sites presenting themselves as media must be responsible and accountable. Freedom of the press does not mean license," he said.(RSS)