Govt to regulate digital platform advertisements starting next fiscal year

KATHMANDU: In a significant move aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in advertising practices, the government has announced plans to regulate advertisements conducted via various digital platforms, including social media.

Finance Minister Barshman Pun unveiled this initiative while presenting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25 in the Joint House of Parliament on Tuesday.

Minister Pun emphasized the need for managing and regulating advertisements across digital platforms, citing the increasing prominence of social networks and digital mediums in modern communication channels.

Under the proposed framework, a one-door system will be established to oversee and manage advertising activities conducted through digital platforms.

Furthermore, Minister Pun reassured that advertisements promoting public welfare initiatives, disseminated through media channels, will continue uninterrupted, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering public engagement and awareness.

The Advertising Board has already taken strides towards implementing regulations to govern advertisements across social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others.

These regulations, encapsulated in the Advertising Regulations 2080, are poised to set standards and guidelines to ensure ethical advertising practices and safeguard consumer interests.

This regulatory initiative signifies the government’s proactive approach towards adapting to the evolving digital landscape and ensuring responsible advertising practices across digital platforms, ultimately aiming to foster a fair and transparent advertising environment for all stakeholders.