Government of Nepal blocks major social media platforms after registration deadline lapses

National Press Corporation(NPC)
www.uknepalpress.com

Kathmandu, Nepal — Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has decided to block Facebook and other social media platforms that have not registered with the government, with the ban taking effect immediately.

The decision was taken on Thursday at a meeting led by Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung. It follows a Cabinet directive issued on 25 August, which required all social media companies operating in Nepal to formally register within a week.

“Unregistered platforms will be progressively shut down starting today. Only those that complete the registration process will be allowed to operate,” Minister Gurung told local media. The ministry has already instructed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to implement the ban.

So far, five platforms — TikTok, Viber, Nimbuzz, WeTalk, and Oppo Live — have completed registration, while Telegram and Global Link are in the process. Popular global platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn are among those facing restrictions.

The move comes amid growing concerns about the misuse of social media. To address this, the government introduced the Social Media Directive 2080 last year, which requires all platforms operating in Nepal to register within three months, obtain an operating licence, and renew it every three years. The directive also empowers authorities to shut down non-compliant platforms at any time and mandates the creation of a Social Media Management Unit within the ministry.

Officials said that despite repeated calls for compliance, no formal applications had been received from major international platforms by the midnight deadline on Wednesday.