Nepal Enforces Ban on Major Social Networks After Missed Deadline

In Nepal, the government has begun to restrict access to popular social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp because those companies did not register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology by the deadline of September 3. 

Nepalese authorities say that the steps they are taking are aimed at curbing online abuse, fake accounts, cybercrime, and harmful content. The government had asked all social media companies to establish a local representative, a complaint handler, and a person to monitor the contents. Only a few social media companies such as TikTok, Viber, Nimbuzz, Poppo Live, and Witk have completed the registration process. Telegram and Global Diary have been made to apply, but they are still waiting for approval.

Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that since the companies were given sufficient time and reminders and they failed to respond, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority would begin blocking access to the unregistered platforms starting Thursday. 

While some groups endorsed the action as a first step to accountability, others including digital rights advocates cautioned that it threatened freedom of speech and access to information. At that point, the platforms were still accessible, but officials said they would begin enforcement immediately.