Background
With the increasing use of technology and social media, incidents of online harassment and cyberbullying have risen sharply, which poses significant risks to online safety. The purpose of this article is to explore the impact of online harassment and cyberbullying on online safety in Nepal and find preventive measures to combat these issues.
Online harassment is a type of offensive behaviour directed towards an individual or a group using digital communication platforms. Cyberbullying, on the other hand, is a specific type of online harassment that involves repeated and intentional aggressive behaviour towards an individual, causing emotional distress and humiliation. Both types of behaviours can cause significant harm to individuals and are a significant threat to online safety in Nepal.
Online harassment and cyberbullying can have long-lasting psychological and emotional effects on victims. In some extreme cases, they can even lead to self-harm and suicide. This has a profound impact on society as a whole and needs to be addressed with urgency.
The importance of addressing online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal cannot be overstated. With the Internet being accessible to almost everyone in the country, it is essential to ensure that individuals can use it without the fear of harassment or bullying. Failure to do so would have negative implications for online safety and could deter individuals from using the Internet altogether.
Preventive measures must be taken to address online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal. This can be done through awareness campaigns that educate individuals on the negative effects of such behaviours. Schools and universities can also play a significant role in preventing cyberbullying by teaching students about online safety and appropriate online behaviours. The government can also pass legislation that criminalises online harassment and cyberbullying, making it easier to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, online harassment and cyberbullying are significant threats to online safety in Nepal. Individuals, schools, and the government must work together to combat these issues. Through awareness campaigns, education, and legislation, we can create a safer online environment in Nepal where individuals can interact without fear of harassment or bullying.
Online Harassment and Cyberbullying In Nepal
Online harassment and cyberbullying are serious issues that have become increasingly common in Nepal. Online harassment refers to any type of offensive behaviour directed towards an individual or group using digital communication platforms. Cyberbullying, on the other hand, is a specific type of online harassment that involves repeated and intentional aggressive behaviours towards an individual, causing emotional distress and humiliation.
Prevalence and Scope of Online Harassment and Cyberbullying In Nepal
The prevalence and scope of online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal are alarming. With the increasing use of technology and social media, incidents of online harassment and cyberbullying have risen sharply. According to a report by the National Information Technology Center, more than 1,000 cases of cybercrime were reported in Nepal in 2020, with the majority of them being related to online harassment and cyberbullying.
In Nepal, the most common forms of online harassment and cyberbullying include cyberstalking, revenge porn, online shaming, and trolling. Women and members of the LGBTQ+ community are particularly vulnerable to online harassment and cyberbullying.
Case Studies
There have been several high-profile cases of online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal. Online abuse directed at women made up about 70% of the 353 cases reported to the cybercrime agency in the months of August and September 2019. Rita Khadka’s Facebook account was compromised in August 2019. She didn’t learn about it until her friends alerted her to the pornographic photographs being shared from her account. She quickly reported the posts to Nepal Police’s cybercrime division and deleted them from her account.
In 2018, a young Nepali actress (name not disclosed now) was the victim of online harassment and cyberbullying after a video of her went viral on social media. The video was edited to show her in a negative light, and she was subjected to vicious online attacks. In another case, a transgender woman was the victim of online harassment and cyberbullying after she won a beauty pageant in 2018. She received threatening messages and was subjected to online abuse, forcing her to delete her social media accounts. As a public influencer, her news was removed as per her consent.
In the year 2012, Uma Khadka (pseudonymised) went out to dinner with her friends. She received a panicked call from her sister, informing her of the leaked naked pictures of ladies from her Facebook profile. Khadka looked at her profile right away in confusion and deleted the posts.
One of the disturbing cases was of Goma Karki, a 16-year-old girl from Nepal, who committed suicide after discovering someone had created a fake Facebook account in her name and posted offensive content. Goma’s family filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Bureau, which tracked the cell phone number used to create the account and arrested Yubaraj Karki, who confessed to creating the fake profile. The case has raised concerns about the need for greater awareness of the risks associated with new technology and how to handle it responsibly. The Cyber Crime Bureau has recorded 320 cases of cybercrime since its launch three months ago.
These cases and the graph below depicting the upward trend of online harassment cases filed in the Kathmandu District Court respectively highlighted the adverse impact of online harassment and cyberbullying on individuals and the urgent need of imposing preventive measures to combat these longstanding and exacerbating issues in Nepal.
Source: Kathmandu District Court via The Kathmandu Post.
Court data that were cited in The Kathmandu Post in April 2017 indicated that over half of cybercrime charges involved harassment of women. Most of the cybercrime cases that were filed with the Kathmandu District Court involved harassment of women.
Impact of Online Harassment and Cyberbullying on Online Safety
Online harassment and cyberbullying behaviours jeopardise online safety and have a significant impact on victims psychologically, socially, and economically.
Psychological Impacts
Psychologically, victims of online harassment and cyberbullying are prone to experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They also have a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and incurring suicidal thoughts or attempts. The constant fear and stress caused by online harassment and cyberbullying have long-term effects on an individual’s mental health and well-being.
Social Impacts
Socially, victims of online harassment and cyberbullying are more likely to be marginalised and stigmatised by society. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed about the harassment and may withdraw from social activities and relationships. This can lead to further social isolation and depression, creating a vicious cycle in one’s social life.
Economic Impacts
Economically, victims of online harassment and cyberbullying may experience the loss of employment opportunities and damage to their reputations. This can have a severe impact on their career and financial stability, leading to long-term financial stress and hardship.
Moreover, online harassment and cyberbullying can have a broader impact on society as a whole. The fear of being harassed and bullied online can make individuals more hesitant about using the internet and social media platforms, impeding their willingness to connect with others and express themselves freely.
In conclusion, online harassment and cyberbullying have significant impacts on online safety, including for individuals in Nepal. The psychological, social, and economic consequences of these forms of harassment are severe and can have long-lasting effects on victims. It is crucial to address these issues through awareness campaigns, education, and legislation to create a safer and more inclusive online environment in Nepal.
Preventive measures
To combat the issue of online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal, several preventive measures can be implemented.
Education Measures
To alleviate the issue of online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal, education is important to promote responsible online behaviours and empower individuals to recognize and respond to these issues. Nepal has a growing Internet user population, especially among the youth, and with that growth comes an increased risk of online harassment and cyberbullying. The following are some measures that could be implemented in Nepal to promote a safer online environment through education:
Awareness Campaigns: Awareness campaigns can be targeted towards different age groups, genders, and communities to raise awareness about online harassment and cyberbullying. The campaigns can use different media such as radio, TV, social media platforms, and public service announcements to spread the message. These campaigns can include information on what constitutes online harassment and cyberbullying, their impact on individuals and society, and the legal and ethical consequences of engaging in these behaviours.
Digital Literacy Training: Digital literacy training can be conducted in schools, colleges, and community centres to educate students, teachers, and parents about responsible online behaviour. The training can include topics such as digital citizenship, online privacy, and cyber safety. This can also include information on how to recognise the signs of online harassment and cyberbullying, how to report incidents, and how to support victims.
Partnerships with Civil Society Organisations: Partnerships with civil society organisations like ChildSafeNet that work on issues related to gender-based violence, child protection, and human rights can also help combat online harassment and cyberbullying. In 2019, ChildSafeNet conducted a half-day workshop on cyberbullying with 26 grade 7 and 8 students of Blue Bird Secondary School, Satdobato, Lalitpur as part of the Safer Internet Day 2019 celebration. These organisations can provide training, support, and resources to individuals who have been affected by online harassment and cyberbullying. They can also work to promote a culture of digital respect and tolerance through their existing networks and outreach programs.
Engaging with Social Media Platforms: Social media platforms play a significant role in shaping online behaviour and can be effective partners in combating online harassment and cyberbullying. Social media platforms can also support awareness campaigns and provide resources and support to individuals who have been affected by online harassment and cyberbullying.
Apart from education, a multi-stakeholder approach should also be taken by involving various stakeholders to tackle online harassment and cyberbullying.
Legal Measures
Online harassment can be prosecuted under current cybercrime laws, such as Art.47 of Electronic Transactions Act 2063 and Art 47(4) of Telecommunications Law 2053, but it’s important to think about other preventative measures. Among these steps might be the creation of new laws or regulations that specifically address cyberbullying, the improvement of enforcement tools like the establishment of reporting hotlines or an online harassment police force, and the escalation of fines and other sanctions for offenders.
Technological Measures
Technological measures such as blocking and reporting features can empower individuals to protect themselves from online harassment and cyberbullying. Working with social media platforms to develop reporting and blocking mechanisms can help individuals to report abusive content and block harassers. Setting up a filtering system that excludes specific offensive phrases or words before the information is published online is an example of a blocking strategy in terms of preventative measures. This may discourage people from using inappropriate words and lessen the likelihood that harassment or bullying will occur. It’s crucial to remember that these precautions might not be flawless, and there is always a chance that somebody will figure out a method to get around them. Hence, to successfully address online harassment and cyberbullying, a multimodal strategy including several preventative interventions may be required.
In addition to these measures, it is essential to encourage a multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, civil society organisations, and technology companies to address online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal. These aftermath services can be made available to victims and their families to help them cope with the psychological impacts of harassment and bullying. This approach can help create a comprehensive and sustainable framework for preventing and addressing online harassment and cyberbullying. It is equally important to also put in place well-established relief measures to support victims and their families to prevent the devastating consequences from further deteriorating.
To sum up, online harassment and cyberbullying are serious issues that require a multi-faceted approach to address effectively. Education, along with Legal, technological, and psychological support measures are essential to create a safer and more inclusive online environment in Nepal. By implementing these measures, we can empower individuals to protect themselves and others from the negative impact of online harassment and cyberbullying.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite the importance of preventive measures, there are several challenges and limitations to implementing these measures in Nepal.
One of the main challenges is the lack of awareness and understanding of online harassment and cyberbullying among the general public. Many people do not recognize these issues as serious and may not understand the negative impact these behaviours can have on individuals and society as a whole. This can make it challenging to implement effective preventive measures.
Another challenge is the lack of resources and infrastructure to support and sustain preventive measures in place. For example, there is limited access to counselling services, helplines, and digital literacy training programs, making it difficult to provide adequate support and education to individuals.
Additionally, the existing legal and regulatory framework is not sufficient to address the complex and evolving nature of online harassment and cyberbullying. The implementation and enforcement of cybercrime laws are limited, and technology companies do not have adequate measures to prevent and address online harassment and cyberbullying on their platforms.
Furthermore, there are limitations in the effectiveness of existing preventive measures. For example, blocking and reporting features are not effective in preventing harassment, and awareness campaigns may not reach all individuals who need them.
Suggestions for Improving Preventive Measures in Nepal
To improve preventive measures in Nepal, it is essential to address these challenges and limitations. This can be done through several strategies, including:
- Raising awareness and education: Conducting awareness campaigns, training programs, and educational initiatives to promote digital literacy and responsible online behaviour.
- Strengthening the legal and regulatory framework: Enacting and enforcing robust cybercrime laws that reflect the changing nature of online harassment and cyberbullying.
- Collaborating with technology companies: Encouraging social media and technology companies to develop and implement effective measures that prevent and address online harassment and cyberbullying on their platforms.
- Providing support services: Developing and providing accessible and affordable counselling services, helplines, and other support services to individuals affected by online harassment and cyberbullying.
- Encouraging a collaborative approach: Promoting collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations, technology companies, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive and sustainable framework for preventing and addressing online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal.
In conclusion, while there are challenges and limitations to implementing preventive measures for online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal, it is essential to address these issues to create a safer and more inclusive online environment. By raising awareness, strengthening the legal framework, collaborating with technology companies, providing support services, and promoting a collaborative approach, we can take significant steps towards preventing and addressing online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal.
Controversies
While there is a growing consensus that online harassment and cyberbullying are serious issues that require preventive measures, some individuals and organisations may disagree with this approach.
One argument would be around the definition of online harassment and cyberbullying. Some may argue that online harassment and cyberbullying are subjective and that what constitutes harassment or bullying can vary from person to person. This could lead to disagreements about what behaviours should be considered online harassment and cyberbullying and what measures should be taken to prevent them.
Another controversy is the balance between freedom of expression and online safety. Some individuals and organisations may argue that preventive measures such as censorship, blocking, or reporting features could infringe on freedom of expression and limit the ability of individuals to express their opinions online. This could lead to debates about the appropriate balance between protecting online safety and upholding freedom of expression.
Moreover, some individuals and organisations may question the effectiveness of preventive measures, such as legal or technological measures, in addressing online harassment and cyberbullying. They may argue that these measures can be difficult to implement and enforce, and may not be able to keep up with the constantly evolving nature of online harassment and cyberbullying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, online harassment and cyberbullying are serious issues that have a significant impact on online safety in Nepal. The prevalence and scope of these problems highlight the urgent need for preventive measures to protect individuals and society as a whole.
This article has provided an overview of the definition, prevalence, and impacts of online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal. It has also explored various preventive measures, including education, as well as, legal, technological, and psychological support measures. Moreover, the challenges and limitations in implementing these measures and suggestions for improving them have been discussed.
It is crucial to address online harassment and cyberbullying in Nepal, and everyone has a role to play, including individuals, civil society organisations, technology companies, and the government. It is a collective responsibility to take preventive measures and promote online safety in Nepal.
All in all, we must prioritise the implementation of preventive measures, including raising awareness, strengthening the legal and regulatory framework, collaborating with technology companies, providing support services, and promoting a collaborative approach. By taking these actions together, we can create a safer and more inclusive online environment and ensure that everyone can participate in online activities without fear of harassment or cyberbullying.
This article is part of the inaugural report of the Asia Pacific Policy Observatory. The April 2023 edition focuses on rights, privacy, and freedom in cyberspace in the digital age. Read full report here.