The government of Nepal has recently enforced a ban on 26 social media platforms, including prominent names like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram. This decision, made public on Thursday by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, follows a directive from the Supreme Court to regulate online platforms and monitor content. The ban was implemented after these platforms failed to register with the government by the stipulated deadline.
The move stems from a contempt of court case where the Supreme Court ordered the government to ensure that all social media platforms operating in Nepal, whether domestic or foreign, are formally registered. This registration is intended to facilitate the monitoring of content and curb online hate, rumors, and cybercrime. The government issued a seven-day ultimatum on August 28, requiring social media platforms to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT). This registration would require the platforms to have an office in Nepal and designate a contact person to ensure compliance with local rules under the 'Directive for regulation of Social Media Use, 2080'.
Minister Gurung stated that the government had repeatedly requested these platforms to register, but those requests were ignored. He indicated that services would be restored once the companies complete the registration process.
This decision has sparked considerable debate and controversy. Rights groups have criticized the ban as a threat to freedom of expression and press freedom. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Access Now have likened the order to overbroad censorship, urging transparency and the restoration of access. Bhola Nath Dhungana, president of Digital Rights Nepal, stated that the closure shows the "controlling" approach of the government and directly hits the fundamental rights of the public.
Conversely, the government insists that the ban is necessary to enforce regulation and address the misuse of social media platforms. They aim to curb the spread of misinformation and illegal activities conducted through these channels. A proposed social media bill is currently under debate in parliament, which could impose fines and jail terms for content deemed against "national interest," further fueling criticism from civil society groups.
Nepal has taken similar actions in the past, including a ban on Telegram in July 2025 due to its alleged use for online fraud and money laundering. In August 2024, a nine-month ban on TikTok was lifted after the platform's South Asia division agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.
The ban's impact on Nepal's economy and society could be significant. Many Nepali citizens rely on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Botim, and Viber to connect with family members who have migrated abroad for work. Remittances constitute a substantial portion of Nepal's GDP, highlighting the importance of these cross-border connections. Furthermore, thousands of Nepali entrepreneurs use social media to market products, engage customers, and earn livelihoods.
Currently, only a few platforms, including TikTok and Viber, have formally registered with the Nepali government. While the government maintains that the ban is temporary and will be lifted once the platforms comply with registration requirements, concerns remain about the long-term implications for freedom of expression and access to information in Nepal. It is anticipated that users may turn to VPNs and OpenDNS to bypass the ban, potentially increasing international bandwidth costs and reducing revenue for local internet providers.
