KATHMANDU – On September 5, Nepal’s government blocked access to 26 unregistered social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn, sparking public outrage and confusion among millions of users.
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology ordered the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to deactivate these platforms after they failed to register within a government-mandated seven-day deadline. The registration requirement stems from a 2023 directive and a Supreme Court order in 2024, mandating platforms to establish a local presence, designate contact and grievance officers, and comply with Nepali regulations.
Social media platforms play a critical role in Nepal for news, business, entertainment, and maintaining ties with family abroad, especially for migrant workers. The shutdown has disrupted communications and businesses reliant on these channels, drawing criticism from users like Jenisha Joshi, who highlighted the impact on livelihoods and family connections.
Opposition voices and press freedom advocates condemned the ban as a threat to free speech and warned against potential dangers to privacy, with the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau cautioning against indiscriminate use of VPNs. The government said some platforms have since made inquiries and emphasized enforcement actions will continue unless compliance is achieved.
Nepal has previously restricted platforms like Telegram and TikTok for regulatory concerns. The current ban reflects ongoing tensions between digital freedom, regulation, and national security in the country.
This sweeping move marks one of the most extensive blocks on social media in Nepal’s history and raises questions about the future of digital communication in the Himalayan nation.