Kathmandu: Press Council Nepal has taken action against nine YouTube channels for spreading inaccurate and fabricated content, accusing them of promoting disorder. 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 instructed the immediate removal or suspension of unverified and one-sided content on social media platforms, especially YouTube. It emphasized that the dissemination of credible and authentic information is essential for strengthening journalism and upholding its integrity.

Chairperson of the Press Council Nepal, Balkrishna Basnet, expressed concerns over the increasing circulation of unauthentic and biased content, including recent false claims about Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. He stressed the importance of accountability in media, saying, “Media and social sites presenting themselves as media must be responsible and accountable. Freedom of the press does not mean license. No one is above the law.”

The Council has also been actively monitoring objectionable content on social media as part of its campaign against misinformation and disinformation. It urged all stakeholders to avoid spreading false information and reaffirmed its commitment to raising public awareness.

Chairperson Basnet revealed that the Council is working to regulate and facilitate YouTube channels and online TV platforms through specific guidelines. He reiterated that all media outlets must adhere to the established code of conduct to maintain credibility and public trust.