Following the devastating floods that rocked Nepal last month, the government is taking a firm stance against the digital vultures preying on grieving survivors.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has issued a stern warning that authorities will show no leniency toward those who use social media to belittle or harass individuals suffering in the wake of the disaster.
The crackdown comes as survivors, desperate for information on missing loved ones, have been met with vitriolic comments and personal attacks after questioning the pace of government search and rescue operations.
In one instance, a woman searching for her missing husband was told to 'jump into the river' herself after she publicly criticized the perceived lack of urgency from officials. Nepali police have now established a 10-member committee to track down the origins of these abusive posts.
Under the country's Electronic Transactions Act, those found guilty of using social media to harass or defame others face up to five years in prison and fines reaching 100,000 rupees.
While some analysts suggest the toxicity is fueled by 'rage baiting' or political extremists defending the government, the state is making it clear that exploiting the suffering of flood victims for digital clout or political point-scoring will be treated as a criminal offense.
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