In a sweeping move, Nepal has banned several major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, after these tech giants failed to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. The ministry had issued a seven-day registration deadline starting August 28, but as of Wednesday night, no global platforms—including Meta’s apps (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet’s YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, or LinkedIn—had submitted applications.
The ban officially came into effect Thursday midnight, enforced by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. Ministry spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur clarified that any platform completing registration would be restored the same day.
Platforms Still Operational
While some platforms like TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live are already registered, others such as Telegram and Global Diary are reportedly still under review.
Impact on Nepalese Citizens Abroad
The move is expected to disrupt communication for millions of Nepali citizens living overseas. “More than seven million youth are staying outside Nepal for higher studies or employment. This will directly affect their communication with family and friends at home,” said senior journalist Pralhad Rijal.
Blow to Local Content Creators
The ban may also hinder the growth of local content creators. Facebook had recently included Nepal in its monetisation programme, allowing creators to earn from videos, reels, and stories. With the ban in place, many creators could see their revenue streams affected.
Press Freedom Concerns
The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) condemned the government’s decision, calling it a violation of press freedom and citizens’ right to information. “The government’s move to ban social media sites without providing alternatives restricts freedom of expression and press freedom and impacts the right to information guaranteed by the constitution,” said FNJ General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal.
No Response From Tech Giants
As of now, the Nepali government has not received any official response from Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or other major tech companies regarding the registration issue.
The ban marks a significant escalation in the ongoing regulatory tension between global tech platforms and the Nepali government, raising concerns about digital communication, press freedom, and the livelihood of content creators.
