Nepal has imposed a ban on 26 major social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Snapchat. The government made this decision after the companies failed to register with the government within a seven-day deadline, as mandated by a recent Supreme Court ruling.

The move comes in response to a Supreme Court directive in a contempt of court case, which instructed the government to ensure that both domestic and foreign-origin online platforms register with authorities and monitor content before operating in Nepal. The court’s directive followed multiple petitions filed since 2020, which raised concerns over unlicensed platforms broadcasting ads and content in Nepal without oversight.

According to a notice from Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the government set a deadline of seven days (as per the “Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080”) for social media platforms to list with the Ministry. The Ministry also directed the Nepal Telecommunication Authority to deactivate platforms that failed to meet this deadline.

Platforms blocked by the government include Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, YouTube, X, Reddit, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Rumble, Line, Imo, and several local apps like Hamro Patro and Mi Video. However, some platforms like TikTok, Viber, Telegram, and Wetalk remain operational as they have either registered with the government or are in the process of doing so.

Nepal’s communications minister, Prithvi Subba Gurung, explained that the government had repeatedly requested the platforms to register, but these requests were ignored. Once the platforms complete the registration process, their services will be restored.

Despite government assurances, the move has drawn criticism from rights groups. Organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists and Access Now have expressed concerns, calling the ban a threat to freedom of expression and press freedom. They have likened the decision to overbroad censorship and urged transparency in the process.

Additionally, a proposed social media bill currently under debate in Nepal’s parliament could impose fines and jail terms for content deemed to be against “national interest,” raising further concerns among civil society groups about the potential for overreach.

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