KATHMANDU: The Department of Information and Broadcasting has suspended the registration and renewal of online media outlets.

Issuing a notice on Tuesday, the Department informed that, as per amendments made by the government to the Press and Publication Act, 1991, online media registration will now be handled by District Administration Offices.

Consequently, the Department has ceased its registration and renewal functions.

A new provision has been added as Section 7 (a) of the Press and Publication Act, making it mandatory for online media to be registered.

Under this provision, individuals wishing to operate an online media outlet must submit an application along with the prescribed fee to the local authority.

The local authority, after necessary verification, will proceed with the registration.

The Department stated that the previous registration and renewal process was being conducted under the Online Media Operation Directive, 2016.

However, in light of the new legal amendments, the current process has been put on hold to align with the updated law.