Debate in Nepal and implementation in Vietnam puts spotlight on ID-based verification for social media use

In a digital era where memes can topple empires and trolls run amok, a new plot twist is emerging: governments around the globe are eyeing mandatory identity verification on social media. From the bustling streets of Nepal to the tech-savvy hubs of Vietnam — and even reaching the corridors of power in Europe and the United States — authorities are weighing in on whether knowing “who’s behind the screen” might be the secret sauce to quelling online chaos.

In Nepal, the recent introduction of a Social Media Regulation Bill has set the stage for a fierce debate. Proponents of the bill argue that mandatory identity checks are essential to curb misinformation, cybercrime, and threats to national security. Yet critics warn that forcing users to reveal their true identities could signal the end of online anonymity — a digital cloak many cherish as a bastion of free speech. As one columnist in The Annapurna Express put it, the proposed measures might “make anonymity a relic of the past.” With penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for fake accounts, the stakes are high in this digital tug-of-war.

Halfway across the globe in Vietnam, a fresh set of regulations under Decree No. 147/2024/ND-CP is rewriting the social media rulebook. Users are now required to verify their accounts using Vietnamese mobile phone numbers or national ID numbers. Offshore service providers aren’t off the hook either — they must store Vietnamese users’ personal data locally and hand it over to authorities upon request. This move, while designed to strengthen national security and tighten data control, has ignited concerns over user privacy and the potential for government overreach.

Not to be outdone, voices in the West are also chiming in. In the United States, proposals are circulating that would require large platforms to verify the identities of influential users, giving readers more context about who is behind the content they consume. A 2023 YouGov survey revealed that 62% of Americans support real-name verification on social media — a clear sign that the public is eager for transparency.

Across the Atlantic, Swedish Social Democrats have set their sights on an EU-wide mandate. Citing the exposure of far-right troll farms and fake accounts used to sway political narratives, former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and MEP Heléne Fritzon have called for compulsory ID verification on all social media platforms. Their aim? To eradicate digital doppelgängers and ensure that every post can be traced back to a real human being — a move they argue is essential in the fight against disinformation.

Meanwhile, down under, Australia has been juggling a similar challenge with its proposed under-16 social media ban. Initially, the plan would have required minors to submit government-issued IDs or even biometric data to prove their age. However, after pushback from privacy advocates and political negotiations, the legislation was amended. Social media giants like Meta and X will no longer be allowed to demand personal documents for age verification — an amendment that underscores the delicate balancing act between safeguarding youth and protecting personal privacy.

So, what does all this mean for the future of social media? What started as a tool for fostering community and free expression might soon be reimagined as a highly regulated space where every user’s identity is verified and accounted for. While the aim is to create a safer, more accountable digital world, critics worry about the potential erosion of privacy and the chilling effect on free speech.

Governments argue that in an age where misinformation can spread faster than a viral TikTok dance, knowing who is behind a post could empower users to make more informed decisions about the content they consume. Yet, as privacy advocates remind us, anonymity has long been the cornerstone of free expression and a shield for dissent.

As this digital drama unfolds on the global stage, it’s clear that the debate over social media ID verification is just getting started. Whether it will evolve into a universal mandate or remain a patchwork of regional rules is a story we’ll all be watching closely — with plenty of likes, shares, and maybe even a few reposts along the way.