Soliciting donations and funds via social media is increasing by the day. According to the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs (MoHCA), it is deemed illegal if it is done without proper approval. However, there is no specific act or regulation to monitor social media donations.
According to the MoHCA, only Civil Society Organisations, Religious Organisations, and those verified and approved by relevant agencies are permitted to seek donations by various means. But many people are still unaware of it. And many are seen donating for a cause that lacks transparency. It has become a concern for the Ministry.
“Some of the people might misuse this kind of platform to raise money probably for private consumption. Also in the future, this kind of funds could be misused for illegal purposes. This can also lead to money laundering, and also financing of criminal activities. If people are found misusing the platform through fraudulent means, applicable penal code provisions can be applied. One could be subjected to criminal proceedings,” said Karma Dorji, the Officiating Chief of the Department of Law and Order under the MoHCA.
According to police, soliciting donations without approval will be charged with deceptive practice, which is petty misdemeanour and misdemeanour with a prison term of one month to three years.
According to the Annual InfoComm and Transport Statistical Bulletin 2021, there are 688,935 mobile broadband subscriptions in the country. With the ever-increasing number of social media users, and without a concrete law outlining the issue, it has become a collective responsibility to use social media platforms wisely.
Tshering Dendup
