Nepal has blocked 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, over failure to register with authorities, sparking freedom-of-expression concerns.
Nepal has banned 26 major social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Snapchat, after the companies failed to register with authorities within a seven-day deadline.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology said the decision followed a Supreme Court directive in a contempt of court case, which ordered the government to ensure all platforms register locally and to monitor “unwanted content.”
“The Honourable Supreme Court… has issued a directive order… to mandatorily list domestic or foreign-origin online and social media platforms with the relevant authorities before operation,” the ministry said in a notice, adding that services would be restored immediately once registration was completed.
While platforms such as TikTok, Viber, and Telegram remain operational after complying, the blackout has sparked criticism. Rights groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Access Now, warned that the move threatens freedom of expression and press freedom.
Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung defended the ban, stressing that repeated calls for registration were ignored. Meanwhile, a proposed social media bill that could impose fines and jail terms for “anti-national” content has fueled further public concern.