Government Approves National Advertisement Policy 2083 to Regulate Digital Media

Kathmandu. The government has approved and published the 'National Advertisement Policy, 2083' to make the advertising sector more organized, dignified, and transparent. The policy, approved by the Council of Ministers and made public, aims to bring new mediums such as rapidly developing digital technology, social media, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) under the purview of regulation.

The policy aims to establish a clean, dignified, transparent, and accountable advertising business and increase the contribution of the advertising sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within five years.

The policy aims to bring advertisements made using social media, digital platforms, influencer marketing, sponsored content, and AI under the scope of regulation and monitoring.

Special concessions will be provided to promote domestic goods and services, and for foreign advertisements, the 'clean feed' (advertisement-free) broadcasting system will be made effective.

Advertisements that are factually incorrect, misleading, and have a negative impact on public health will be completely controlled. The policy includes a work plan to provide compensation if consumers suffer damages due to such advertisements.

The policy mentions the establishment of an advertising fund for capacity development of manpower involved in the advertising business, consumer awareness, study and research of the advertising market, and classification and promotion of communication media.

The policy also mentions that integrated standards will be formulated and implemented in coordination with local levels for external advertisements (hoarding boards), fairs, festivals, public transport, and advertisements in public places.

The policy states that an integrated information management system will be developed to make the distribution and payment process of government advertisements transparent, and a code of conduct will be formulated and implemented for advertisers, agencies, and communication media.

The roles of the federal, provincial, and local governments have been clarified for the effective implementation of the policy. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Advertising Board will be the main bodies for regulating advertisements, and the policy includes making necessary legal amendments and formulating a separate action plan for policy implementation.