Hajra Naz
Nepal has blocked several major social media platforms. The list includes Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The companies failed to follow the new registration rules.
The move has drawn strong criticism. Media rights groups say it raises concerns about censorship. They also warn that it threatens press freedom and the public’s right to information.
The Government’s Order
On Thursday, Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology issued a directive. It instructed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to take action. The NTA then ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to the websites. In total, 26 social media platforms were affected.
This directive followed a high-level meeting of ministry officials earlier in the day. The order comes on the heels of an August 25 deadline, which required foreign social media companies to:
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Register their operations in Nepal.
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Appoint a local representative or contact person.
Companies that failed to comply are now subject to full access restrictions.
Platforms Affected
According to reports, the blocked platforms include:
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Facebook
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Instagram
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Messenger
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YouTube
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X (formerly Twitter)
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Snapchat
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Discord
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Reddit
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WeChat
Interestingly, TikTok and Russia’s Viber are not affected, as the government claims these platforms have already registered locally in line with the rules.
Social Media Usage in Nepal
Nepal has one of the highest rates of internet access in South Asia, with an internet penetration rate of over 90%, according to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority.
Among social media users in the country:
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87% use Facebook
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6% use X
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5% use YouTube
These figures, reported by web analytics firm Statcounter, highlight how central social media is to daily communication in Nepal. The sudden ban, therefore, impacts millions of users overnight.
Legal and Political Context
The government’s move followed a ruling by Nepal’s Supreme Court last month. The Court upheld the rule that platforms must register. But it did not order outright bans. Instead, it asked the government to create legal measures to fight misinformation and online harm.
Even so, officials chose a blanket ban. This has led to accusations of overreach and censorship.
Criticism From Media and Rights Groups
The decision has faced heavy criticism at home and abroad.
- The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said the ban would hurt journalists. It warned it would limit people’s access to news and information.
- The Federation of Nepali Journalists also condemned the move. It called the order an attack on press freedom.
- Access Now, a global rights group, compared the step to China’s “Great Firewall.” The group said it clashed with Nepal’s democratic values.
Raman Jit Singh Chima, a director at Access Now, called the move “extremely troubling.” He warned that vague rules and no due process could cause over-blocking. He also said it may push companies to remove content that is legal.
The Government’s Defense
Nepal’s Communication and Information Technology Minister, Prithvi Subba Gurung, defended the ban. He said companies like Meta, Google, and Snap had enough time to register. He added that the government made repeated requests. But the companies did not comply.
The Ministry said access will return once the platforms follow local laws.
Critics, however, raised concerns. They warned that the order lacks transparency and oversight. They also said there is no clear process to appeal. The directive, they argue, gives the government wide powers. It can regulate online speech, block platforms, and pressure companies to remove legal content.
A Pattern of Tighter Controls
This is not Nepal’s first attempt at regulating digital spaces. Earlier this year, the government introduced a controversial social media bill that is still awaiting approval.
The proposed legislation includes:
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Fines and prison terms for content deemed harmful to “national sovereignty or interests.”
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The authority to order takedowns of certain posts.
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Penalties for noncompliance by platforms.
The International Federation of Journalists warned that the bill could “severely undermine press freedom and digital expression.”
Although Minister Gurung has insisted that the government has “no intention of curtailing freedom of expression,” critics argue that these steps reflect a growing push toward digital control.
FAQs About Nepal’s Social Media Ban
1. Why did Nepal block social media platforms?
The government blocked the platforms because they did not register locally or appoint a contact person, as required by new regulations.
2. Which platforms are affected by the ban?
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, Snapchat, Discord, Reddit, Messenger, and WeChat are among the 26 platforms blocked.
3. Are TikTok and Viber also banned in Nepal?
No. TikTok and Viber have already registered with Nepali authorities and remain accessible.
4. Will the ban be lifted?
Yes. Officials stated that access will be restored once companies comply with registration requirements.
5. Why are critics concerned about the ban?
Rights groups warn that the ban undermines press freedom, restricts citizens’ right to information, and risks moving Nepal toward digital authoritarianism.
