Nepal Faces AI Disinformation Ahead of Landmark Elections

In the run-up to Nepal's first elections since the 2025 protests, disinformation, particularly AI-generated content, has infiltrated political campaigns. Various political parties are utilizing social media platforms to engage voters, especially the youth, amidst a backdrop of growing discontent over job shortages and corruption among the political elite. The prevalence of manipulated content in this context poses a significant concern, as experts warn that many citizens lack the skills needed to discern fact from fiction in such a digitally-driven environment.

The implications of this surge in misinformation could undermine the electoral process and the broader democratic framework in Nepal. With around 80 percent of the country's internet traffic being social media-centric, there are significant worries about the influence of foreign narratives and ideologies infiltrating local political discourses. As the Election Commission notes, the extensive use of hate speech and deepfake technology foreshadows troubling dynamics in Nepal's push for a transparent and credible electoral process, potentially steering public sentiment in favor of foreign agendas rather than domestic interests.