• Source:JND
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The Government of Nepal has banned 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, after they failed to comply with a mandatory registration requirement set by the country’s Supreme Court. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced on Thursday that it has directed the Nepal Telecommunication Authority to make all non-registered social media platforms inactive with immediate effect. According to officials, these services may resume only after completing the registration process and adhering to national rules.

The decision follows a seven-day deadline, issued on August 28, for global platforms to register in Nepal. That deadline expired on Wednesday night, despite repeated notices and extensions.

Government spokesperson Gajendra Thakur said that authorities had been hopeful companies would comply before midnight, but no steps were taken. “Since the platforms ignored repeated reminders, we had no choice but to enforce the Supreme Court’s directive,” Thakur added.

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Legal Basis For Ban

This crackdown stems from a Supreme Court order in a contempt case (Case No. 080-8-0012), which directed the government to register all domestic and foreign-origin online platforms before operation. The Court also stressed the need to monitor and regulate harmful or unwanted content.

Information and Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung noted that major companies, including Meta, failed to respond despite five public notices and direct communication since November 2023. “Even after repeated extensions, Meta and others refused to engage with Nepal’s regulatory framework,” Gurung said.

Which Platforms Remain Accessible In Nepal?

Currently, only a handful of apps remain accessible in Nepal. TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live are fully registered, while Telegram and Global Diary are under review. Thousands of other applications may be disabled under the new rules, including WhatsApp, Reddit, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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Authorities emphasised that the ban is not permanent but conditional. Services can resume once the companies complete their registration and comply with local regulations. The government argues that this is necessary to establish accountability, ensure user safety, and regulate digital spaces in line with national laws.