Kathmandu, September 4, 2025 — In a decisive regulatory action, Nepal’s government has directed the Telecommunications Authority to block access to numerous global social media networks after their failure to comply with mandatory registration requirements.
Under new rules set by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, platforms were required to register within Nepal, appoint a local liaison, designate a grievance officer, and establish a self-regulatory mechanism. While some services like TikTok and Viber promptly complied, leading to their continued operation, major global names—including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube—failed to do so by the government’s deadline and are now being deactivated.
Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung emphasized that the government issued multiple notices and provided sufficient time for compliance. “They ignored our requests, leaving us no choice but to shut down their services in Nepal,” the minister stated.
While officials argue that the restrictions are necessary to curb online misuse—from fake accounts to cybercrime and harmful misinformation—rights groups and opposition figures warn of the broader implications. Critics view the abrupt block as a threat to free speech, disruption to daily life, and a potential tool for censorship.
Adding further context, reports highlight a legal and institutional backdrop to the crackdown: a directive from Nepal’s Supreme Court and the Cabinet’s approval of stricter social media oversight paved the way for the enforcement. Initial registrations came through in just five platforms, while over two dozen remain unregistered.
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