Nepal urges Meta, TikTok to curb flood misinformation, graphic imagery

Nepal's authorities have formally requested that Meta and TikTok take action against graphic flood-related content and misinformation circulating on their platforms in the aftermath of the August 26 flash floods. The disaster, which affected multiple regions across the country, has triggered a surge in misleading posts and disturbing imagery shared by users on social media.

The government's appeal comes as false claims and sensationalized content continue to proliferate across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, potentially complicating relief and rescue efforts. Officials expressed concern that such material could spread panic, undermine public confidence in official information channels, and hinder coordination among emergency response teams.

Meta and TikTok have not yet issued public statements regarding the Nepali government's request. The incident reflects broader challenges faced by South and Southeast Asian nations in managing the spread of misinformation during humanitarian crises, as social media platforms become primary channels through which disaster-related information—accurate and false alike—reaches the public.

Nepal's disaster management authorities have urged citizens to rely on official government communications and verified news sources for accurate information about the flooding, while social media platforms face mounting pressure to implement rapid fact-checking and content moderation measures during emergencies.