Social media is a double-edged sword. While it provides a platform for self-expression, connection, and creativity, the space is also increasingly being misused in a number of ways. Unchecked abuse of social media is creating a toxic environment, where cyberbullying, online harassment, defamation, and copyright violations abound.

The recent detention of the notorious fake social media account “Nga Galfren Mezo” in connection with the death of a Bhutanese TikToker is a major breakthrough. Emboldened by the mask of anonymity, accounts like “Nga Galfren Mezo” have been launching vicious attacks on individuals, particularly women, through sexist and misogynistic posts and memes.

Many social media pages flagrantly violate a number of rights, from privacy to copyright, frequently targeting individuals and institutions with harmful and derogatory content. The implications of these are many, and quite severe at that. Reputations are tarnished, and in some critical cases, it affects the mental well-being of individuals.

Social media platforms are also misused for rampant distribution of pirated content such as films, music, books, and even newspapers. TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Telegram have become hotbeds for such violations. This illegal sharing of intellectual property causes significant revenue loss for creators and businesses. It also undermines creative industries, discouraging innovation and investment.

Regulatory bodies like Bhutan Information and Media Authority and law enforcement agencies have done little to curb the misuse of social media. What we need is a robust monitoring system and stringent enforcement of laws. Offline rules must apply online as well. The internet cannot be treated as a lawless frontier. The principles of accountability, respect, and legality must apply to the social media space as well.

In this wake, the detention of “Nga Galfren Mezo” sends a powerful message to those hiding behind anonymity that they cannot escape accountability. The police deserve recognition for their efforts, but this should only be the beginning.

Law enforcement agencies must ramp up its vigilance, employing sophisticated digital tools and collaborating with tech platforms to detect and act against malicious accounts. Regulators, too, must go beyond advocacy campaigns, adopting proactive measures to address online misconduct.

We must make social media space safe, constructive, and vibrant. And this requires a whole-of-society approach. Law enforcement agencies must intensify efforts to identify and penalise offenders, creating a deterrent against illegal activities. Regulators must build their technical capabilities to effectively monitor the digital space. Educational institutes, civil society, and media must promote digital literacy. And above all, our citizens must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world responsibly.

At the same time, we must also not lose sight of the positive side of social media. It can be a force for good when used responsibly. For instance, in the remote village of Kaktong in Zhemgang, a group of teachers leveraged TikTok to raise funds to build a home for a disabled couple.

This heartwarming story is a perfect example of the constructive power of social media. Such examples remind us that social media is not inherently bad. And if used with empathy and responsibility, it can be a catalyst for social change.