Nepal has directed internet providers to block leading social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X, after the companies failed to comply with a government mandate requiring local registration. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from media watchdogs, who say it undermines free expression and access to information.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology instructed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to enforce restrictions on 26 platforms. The order followed a meeting of ministry officials earlier in the day.
Figures from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority show the country’s internet penetration exceeds 90%. Data from Statcounter indicates that 87% of social media users in Nepal are on Facebook, followed by X at 6% and YouTube at 5%.
The ban affects platforms such as Discord, Messenger, Reddit, WeChat, Snapchat and others, alongside Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X. The move comes after the government’s August 25 directive that required foreign platforms to register and appoint a local representative within seven days.
Media groups have condemned the measure. The Committee to Protect Journalists said it would “seriously hinder journalists’ work and people’s access to news and information.” The Federation of Nepali Journalists also warned that the ban weakens press freedom and citizens’ right to know.
The Supreme Court had upheld the government’s registration requirement last month, saying the aim was to reduce misinformation. However, the ruling stopped short of directing the government to ban unregistered platforms, instead calling for legal clarity within the existing framework.
TikTok and Viber are not affected by the restrictions, as both have complied with the rules and completed registration in Nepal.
Access Now’s Asia Pacific Policy director Raman Jit Singh Chima said the approach mirrors “the architecture of censorship seen in China’s Great Firewall model,” and warned that it conflicts with Nepal’s democratic commitments. He urged the government to publish blocking orders, restore access, and adopt legislation with clearer limits, transparency and oversight.
Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung told reporters that the government had given multiple reminders to companies, including Meta, but they did not act. Meta, Google and Snap have not commented.
The Ministry has said access will be restored once the platforms register locally.
Nepal’s government had earlier proposed a social media bill that remains under review. The draft includes provisions for penalties and imprisonment for posts deemed against national sovereignty or interest, raising fears of broad censorship. Despite criticism, officials maintain that the government does not intend to restrict free expression.
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