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Social Media Regulation in Bhutan

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politics

Social media regulation in Bhutan is an evolving area of policy. As Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms have become dominant information channels, the government has grappled with balancing free expression against misinformation, cultural concerns, and social harmony.

Overview

Social media has rapidly become a dominant communication channel in Bhutan, with Facebook[3] being by far the most popular platform. This rapid adoption has created regulatory challenges that Bhutan's legal framework — designed for traditional media — was not built to address.

Challenges

  • Misinformation — false information spreads rapidly in a small, interconnected society
  • Political speech — social media[1] has become a platform for political commentary, sometimes testing the boundaries of acceptable criticism
  • Cultural concerns — exposure to global content[2] raises questions about cultural preservation
  • Cyberbullying — online harassment has emerged as a social issue, particularly among youth

Government Response

The government has addressed social media through the ICM Act and periodic guidance from BICMA. However, the pace of social media evolution consistently outstrips regulatory capacity.

References

  1. "Social Media Policy of the Royal Government of Bhutan." MOICE.
  2. "Rules and Regulations on Content, 2019." BICMA.
  3. "Social Media Landscape in Bhutan." Bhutan Media Foundation, 2021.
  4. "ECB Social Media Rules and Regulations." Election Commission of Bhutan.

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