In a controversial move that has sparked national and international debate, Nepal’s government has blocked several major social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter)  due to their failure to officially register within the country.

Nepal to Block Unregistered Social Media Platforms Immediately

“The platforms would be blocked immediately,” stated Prithvi Subba Gurung, Nepal’s Minister for Communication and Information. He said around two dozen popular social media platforms had been notified multiple times to register their companies officially in Nepal but failed to do so.

Only a handful of platforms such as TikTok, Viber, and three others will continue to operate, as they have completed the mandatory registration process, according to officials.

The government’s order was issued following a cabinet-level decision and enforced by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, which was directed to make all unregistered platforms inactive. This came after multiple warnings and a final deadline passed without compliance from most platforms.

Officials emphasised that the move was driven by concerns over the misuse of social media including the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and cybercrimes through fake accounts. They also noted the growing impact on social harmony in the country.

Nepal Proposes New Law to Regulate Social Media Platforms

Alongside the bans, the government has introduced a new bill in parliament aiming to regulate digital platforms and ensure accountability. The proposed law would require platforms to appoint a local liaison office and maintain a legal presence in Nepal. While officials argue that the legislation is intended to promote responsible digital behavior, critics have a different view.

Rights organisations and free speech advocates argue that the bill is a potential tool for silencing dissent, with some calling it a direct violation of citizens’ fundamental rights and a threat to freedom of expression.

“The ministry had given ultimatum to all social media to register in Nepal. A meeting held this afternoon has decided to give the order to Nepal Telecommunication Authority to ban the 26 social media effective today,”  said Gajendra Thakur, spokesperson for the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, in a statement to ANI.

The government insists that both users and companies must be held accountable for the content shared on digital platforms, especially given the growing influence of online media on public opinion and social behavior.

Nepal Justifies Social Media Law as Move for Accountability

“It was necessary to bring laws to monitor the social media and ensure that both the users and operators were responsible and accountable of what they share and what is being published or said on these platforms,” said one official defending the move.

The proposed regulation has not yet been fully debated in Parliament, but it is already being viewed as a test of Nepal’s commitment to democratic values.

This is not the first time the country has taken such action. In 2023, the TikTok app was temporarily banned under similar circumstances, drawing significant backlash. However, it was reinstated in August 2024 after complying with government requirements.

As the debate continues, many users have expressed frustration and concern on the very platforms that now face blackout. Some posted farewells, anticipating their accounts would be inaccessible at any moment. Meanwhile, digital rights groups warn the move could damage Nepal’s international image and restrict everyday communication for millions of citizens.