Nepal asks platforms to act against AI-generated misinformation after floods
Nepalese authorities have asked Meta and TikTok to remove false, manipulated and AI-generated content linked to the recent floods, including fraudulent donation appeals and fabricated disaster footage.
The Nepali government has asked Meta and TikTok to take action against misleading and fraudulent content circulating online following severe flooding along the Nepal–Tibet border.
According to the BBC and local reports, authorities are concerned about the spread of AI-generated videos presented as genuine disaster footage, manipulated material and fraudulent donation posts, including QR codes that could divert funds intended for flood relief.
A multi-agency task force led by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, with officials from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, held discussions with representatives of both platforms. Given the emergency situation, authorities asked the companies to respond more quickly to reports of harmful content. The platforms have provided points of contact through which government officials can submit reports.
The government has also urged the public not to share graphic images, unverified reports or AI-generated material that could cause panic or increase distress among people affected by the floods. Officials said information about casualties, damage and relief efforts should come from authorised government sources.
