Nepal has announced a sweeping ban on 26 major social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Snapchat, Reddit and LinkedIn. The government directed internet service providers to block access after these companies failed to register with authorities within a seven day deadline.
The move follows a Supreme Court directive in a contempt of court case which ordered the government to ensure all domestic and foreign online platforms register before operating in Nepal and to monitor unwanted content.
A notice from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology stated: “The Honourable Supreme Court, in a contempt of court case, has issued a directive order in the name of the Government of Nepal to mandatorily list domestic or foreign origin online and social media platforms with the relevant authorities before operation and to evaluate and monitor unwanted content… All stakeholders are hereby informed that the Nepal Telecommunication Authority has been directed to deactivate social media platforms within Nepal that have not contacted the Ministry for listing within the specified time limit and to reactivate them from the same moment if they are listed.”
The ruling stems from multiple petitions filed since 2020, which raised concerns about unlicensed platforms broadcasting ads and content in Nepal. Under the Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080, platforms must register with the Ministry, appoint a local contact person and compliance officer, and establish mechanisms to address complaints.
Among the blocked platforms are Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, YouTube, X, Reddit, WhatsApp, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Rumble, Line, Imo, Jalo, Sol, Hamro Patro, Mi Video and Mi Vike3. Platforms still operational include TikTok, Viber, Wetalk, Nimbuzz and Telegram, as they have either registered or are in the process.
Communications minister Prithvi Subba Gurung said the government had repeatedly asked these platforms to register but received no cooperation. He added that services will be restored once registration is complete.
However, rights groups have criticised the decision, calling it a threat to freedom of expression and press freedom. Organisations compared the order to censorship and demanded transparency and immediate restoration of access. At the same time, a proposed social media bill that could impose fines and jail terms for content deemed against “national interest” is being debated in parliament, sparking further opposition from civil society.
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