Government Enforcement of Registration Rules
Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology set a firm deadline—Wednesday, September 3—for companies operating social media platforms in the country to register, appoint a local contact, a grievance handler, and a self-regulation officer, or face shutdown.
Immediate Blocking of Major Platforms
Starting Thursday (September 4), the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) began blocking access to more than two dozen platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp (Meta), YouTube (Alphabet), X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn—due to their non-compliance.
Exceptions & Compliance
Platforms such as TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, and Poppo Live successfully registered and remain operational. Access will be restored for other platforms immediately upon registration.
Legal Backdrop & Rationale
A Supreme Court order mandated that all domestic and foreign online platforms must register before operating in Nepal, effectively to ensure accountability, curb misinformation, and address cybercrime. The government and regulators defend the action as critical for:
Combating fake IDs and misinformation.
Fostering a safer digital environment.
Enforcing responsibility on platforms.
Criticism & Concerns
Rights groups and political opposition warn that the abrupt ban jeopardizes:
Freedom of expression.
Access to essential services like education, job seeking, and news (especially via YouTube and LinkedIn).
