The government of Nepal has officially approved the National Advertisement Policy, 2081 BS (2083 in the Bikram Sambat calendar), setting a new standard for regulating digital ads and AI-generated content.
The Need for Regulation
The policy aims to address the rise of misleading and deceptive advertising practices in Nepal, particularly on social media platforms. As more businesses shift their focus to online marketing, the government has recognized the need for stricter regulations to protect consumers.
Key Provisions
The National Advertisement Policy introduces a framework for regulating various forms of advertising, including:
* Social media promotions
* Influencer marketing
* Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content
* Online and offline advertisements
* Public service announcements
The policy also establishes a new regulatory body, the Advertising Authority, tasked with overseeing the implementation of these regulations.
Regulating AI-Generated Content
One of the most significant aspects of the policy is its focus on regulating AI-generated content. With the increasing use of AI-powered tools for creating advertisements, the government has recognized the need to ensure that these tools are used responsibly and don’t mislead consumers. The policy requires advertisers to clearly disclose when AI-generated content is used and to ensure that it complies with the policy’s guidelines.
**What this means**: For businesses in Nepal, this policy means they will need to adapt their advertising strategies to comply with the new regulations. This may involve investing in new technology to track and verify advertising claims, as well as ensuring that their AI-generated content meets the policy’s standards.
