It is disturbing to witness growing exploitation of the social media for unauthorised solicitation of donations. On August 21, 2024, the home ministry issued a notification strictly prohibiting unauthorised solicitation of donations via social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and others without prior approval. This is a timely and necessary intervention to address a problem that has been spiraling out of control, preying on the goodwill and generosity of the Bhutanese people.
The surge in unauthorised donation requests has highlighted a troubling trend—one that exploits the inherent kindness and community spirit of our society. The ministry has already reported nine cases of unauthorised donations, prompting the issuance of a stern warning against such activities. These incidents not only undermine the trust and solidarity within our communities but also pave the way for fraudulent practices that could have long-lasting negative impacts.
The act of soliciting donations is, at its core, an appeal to the compassion and empathy of others. When done with sincerity and transparency, it can be a powerful force for good, enabling communities to rally around a cause, support those in need, and create positive change. However, when individuals or groups exploit this mechanism for personal gain or without proper authorisation, it becomes an act of deception—one that erodes the trust that is essential for any form of charitable giving.
Unauthorised solicitations are not just a breach of trust; they are a violation of the law. According to Chapter 21 of the Penal Code of Bhutan, under the subtopic of deceptive practices, a defendant is guilty of an offence if they defraud another person or facilitate fraud by making or altering an object or item to appear original and genuine. This legal provision underlines the seriousness with which our society views acts of deception, particularly those that involve the manipulation of others’ kindness for fraudulent purposes.
The consequences for engaging in unauthorised donation activities are severe, and rightly so. Individuals found guilty of such practices can face legal repercussions that may include significant penalties, both financial and legal. This is not just about punishing wrongdoers; it is about safeguarding the integrity of our community and ensuring that the generosity of the Bhutanese people is directed toward genuine and deserving causes.
As a society, we must remain vigilant and discerning when it comes to responding to donation requests, particularly those that originate online. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of the appeals we encounter and to ensure that our contributions are being directed toward legitimate and transparent initiatives. Organisations and individuals seeking to raise funds must also adhere to the established legal frameworks, obtaining the necessary approvals and operating with full transparency.
The issue is a threat to the very fabric of our compassionate and supportive community.