Nepal Orders Meta and TikTok to Remove Flood Misinformation

The Government of Nepal ordered Meta and TikTok to immediately remove graphic images, AI-generated videos, and fraudulent donation QR codes circulating following flash floods in Bhotekoshi. During meetings on Friday, officials urged the platforms to implement proactive algorithms to block misleading content and reduce their current 24-to-48-hour response time for flagged posts.

Authorities reported that AI-synthesized media and old footage are being recirculated as current disaster scenes. A multi-agency task force, including the Nepal Telecommunications Authority and the Ministry of Home Affairs, is monitoring the harmful content, while the Nepal Police are identifying individuals creating malicious material for legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Communication and Information warned that unverified reports and graphic imagery could obstruct rescue operations and deepen the trauma of victims' families. The ministry appealed to media outlets and social media users to avoid sharing fabricated or AI-generated rumors that spread panic.