Bhutan is preparing to introduce a new set of country-specific regulations for social media platforms in an effort to tackle the growing challenges posed by misinformation, cyberbullying and other harmful online content.
The announcement was made by Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister Namgyal Dorji during the latest Meet the Press session, where he said the proposed framework would establish clear standards governing the use of digital platforms in the country.
As social media continues to play an increasingly significant role in communication and information sharing, concerns have intensified over the rapid spread of false information, online harassment and inappropriate content. The government believes that a dedicated regulatory framework will help encourage responsible online behaviour while ensuring greater accountability among users.
According to the minister, major technology companies, including Meta, TikTok and Telegram, have expressed their willingness to cooperate more effectively with Bhutan once clear national guidelines are in place. He said the platforms have requested specific rules outlining what content is permitted and what is prohibited, enabling them to respond more swiftly to requests for the removal of content that violates Bhutan’s regulations.
The proposed legislation is also expected to introduce stricter penalties for individuals or entities found violating the new rules once they are enacted.
The initiative comes at a time when digital connectivity in Bhutan continues to expand. The latest annual report released by the Bhutan Infocomm and Media Authority (BICMA) shows that the country has 868,781 mobile subscribers across Bhutan Telecom and Tashi InfoComm, reflecting the widespread reach of online platforms.
Once finalised, the regulations are expected to provide a clearer legal framework for social media use in Bhutan while strengthening collaboration between the government and global technology companies to curb the spread of harmful content and promote a safer digital environment.
