The Nepali government’s recent move to block access to 26 major social media platforms signals a significant shift in how the nation manages digital communication. This decision, enforced by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), restricts platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X (previously known as Twitter), after non-compliance with a strict registration mandate issued under the 2023 Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media. The directive required the establishment of a local liaison office, appointment of a grievance officer, and implementation of self-regulation mechanisms, with a deadline for compliance that expired on September 3. More details are available here.
This crackdown follows a ministerial meeting chaired by Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, aiming to enforce a Supreme Court mandamus order and earlier Cabinet decisions regarding social media regulation. A prior judicial directive had called for the restriction of unregistered platforms, further mandating that foreign broadcasters obtain operational permissions in Nepal to curb misinformation and maintain proper platform management.
Users across affected platforms have reacted with surprise and disappointment, sharing what they refer to as their “last photos” before the ban. Writ petitions challenging the government’s decision are already being submitted to the Supreme Court, although these petitions await registration.
The Social Media Bill 2081, introduced to the National Assembly at the beginning of the year, lays the groundwork for more comprehensive governance of social networking in Nepal. Communication Minister Gurung reiterated that despite multiple requests for compliance, the government’s hand was forced after continued non-cooperation by these platforms.
While platforms like TikTok and Viber remain operational due to their preemptive registration, the blocking of such a wide array has ignited a debate on digital freedom and governmental oversight. For further details on the international context of similar actions, The Hindu reported on comparable government initiatives across South Asia aimed at regulating digital spaces.