Introduction: On September 4, 2025, Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to block access to 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. The move came after these tech giants failed to comply with mandatory registration requirements imposed by both the executive branch and a Supreme Court order designed to ensure digital accountability. This article explores the motivations behind the ban, platforms affected (and those exempt), potential fallout for users and businesses, and broader implications on freedom of expression and Nepal’s digital future.
Why Did Nepal Take This Step?
1. Legal Mandate & Court Order
In August 2025, Nepal’s Supreme Court mandated that all social media platforms—local or foreign—must register with the government to operate legally in the country. It followed government “Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023,” stipulating requirements such as appointing a local liaison, providing grievance mechanisms, and ensuring self-regulation.
2. Deadlines, Notices, and Non-Compliance
Platforms were repeatedly notified of the registration requirement and given multiple extensions. The deadline expired after a seven-day grace period starting from August 28, 2025, with none of the major global platforms registering.
3. Government’s Rationale
Officials, including Communication and IT Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, argued the ban is necessary to curb online misinformation, cybercrime, fake identities, and threats to social harmony.
All social media ban in nepal
Platforms Banned
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Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Reddit, LinkedIn, and nearly two dozen others were blocked outright for failing to register The Kathmandu PostIndiatimesThe Daily JagranFinancial Express.
Exempted Platforms
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TikTok, Viber, We Talk, Nimbuzz, and Poppo Live remain accessible as they complied with registration rules AP NewsIndiatimesThe Kathmandu PostThe Daily Jagran.
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Telegram and Global Diary have applied and are awaiting approval The Kathmandu Post.
Authorities have stated that any banned platform completing registration can be reinstated the same day.
Impact on Citizens, Businesses, and the Digital Ecosystem
1. Day-to-Day Disruption
For millions of users, platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp are integral to social life, entertainment, learning, news, and work. Their sudden absence disrupts communication, especially for those relying on YouTube for educational content or Facebook for social connection.
2. Economic Consequences
A large number of individuals and small businesses depend on social media for income—whether through monetization programs, marketing, or direct customer engagement. The ban could severely impact creators, e-commerce sellers, and SMEs.
3. Network Strain & Costs Rise
To bypass blocks, many users may turn to VPNs or DNS services, increasing international bandwidth usage. This could congest Nepal’s already limited 2.5 Tbps international bandwidth, slow internet speeds, and potentially raise costs as infrastructure struggles to cope.
4. Security Risks
Reliance on free or unverified circumvention tools comes with risks—data leakage, malware, and compromised privacy are real threats.
Political and Social Repercussions
1. Free Press Under Fire
The Committee to Protect Journalists warned the ban sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom and access to information. Journalists rely heavily on social media for reporting, sourcing, and distribution of news.
2. Civil Society Alarm
Rights groups, digital rights advocates, and parties like the National Independent Party have raised alarms over the ban’s implications on freedom of expression. Critics call for regulation—not outright bans—and caution against misuse as a censorship tool.
3. Legislative Push
A Social Media Bill 2081, drafted in late 2024 and tabled in early 2025, proposes fines and obligations around content and representation. Civil society warns this could result in broad surveillance and curbs on digital expression.
Context: Not the First Time
Nepal’s digital regulatory approach dates back at least to 2023, when TikTok was banned citing harm to social harmony. That ban was lifted in August 2024, after TikTok agreed to register and comply with specific local requirements.
This latest move marks the largest mass blocking of social platforms in Nepal’s history.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
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Possibility of Reinstatement: Platforms may be unblocked promptly if they comply.
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Ongoing Legal Debate: Parliament has yet to fully debate the Social Media Bill.
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Public Backlash: Citizens—especially students, creators, businesses—have voiced upset over disruptions and suppressions of expression.
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Global Trend: Nepal joins countries like India and the EU in tightening digital oversight, though its methods provoke concern over excessive control.
Conclusion
Nepal’s sweeping ban on Facebook, YouTube, and others reflects a broader trend of governments asserting sovereignty over digital platforms. While the rationale centers on accountability and curbing online harms, the consequences—freedom of speech, press access, education, commerce, internet infrastructure—are significant.
The path forward hinges on negotiation and compromise: if tech companies register and cooperate, access might restore; if not, citizens and businesses face deeper disruption.