Nepalese authorities called for faster action against misleading content on social media platforms following floods and landslides in the country's northern and central regions. During meetings with representatives of Meta and TikTok in Nepal, they requested the removal of posts that could mislead the public and disrupt relief efforts.
Officials also asked the platforms to remove disturbing images that could cause further distress to the families of flood victims. Bijay Kumar Roy, the coordinator of the government's task force on social media regulation and management, said harmful and deceptive content should be removed as soon as it is flagged.
AI videos and fraudulent donation QR codes
The platforms were also asked to use their algorithms more effectively to detect and block graphic images and misinformation. In addition to old footage recirculated as if it showed the latest disaster, AI-generated videos and photographs presented as authentic were also identified.
Fraudulent QR codes purporting to collect donations for flood victims also began circulating. The Nepalese government called for measures to prevent such content from causing harm during a crisis.
Responses to content reports take 24 to 48 hours
Meta and TikTok take between 24 and 48 hours to respond to reported posts. Nepalese authorities called on the platforms to shorten this timeframe, particularly during crises.
Death toll in Nepal and China reaches 543
The combined death toll from floods in Nepal and China rose to 543. The number of missing people stood at 1,281, including 856 foreigners.
Floods and landslides in Nepal on Wednesday affected settlements along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. Homes, bridges and roads were damaged.
In China, mud and debris reached Gyirong Port in Gyirong County, part of the Xizang Autonomous Region, also known as Tibet, in the southwest. Road, communications and power connections were cut off.
Hundreds of local residents, construction workers and tourists were evacuated to safer locations in Gyirong County. Search and rescue operations are continuing.
