Nepal Nixes Networks of Facebook, X and Other Social Media over Non-Registration
The government of Nepal has announced a sweeping shutdown of most major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Reddit, and LinkedIn, after they failed to meet registration requirements. However, TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live will remain operational.
The decision, declared on Thursday, September 4, comes as authorities claim that online platforms are increasingly being used to spread hate, misinformation, and cybercrime, thereby threatening social harmony. Nepal, a country of nearly 30 million people, has around 90 percent internet penetration.
Prithvi Subba Gurung, Nepal’s Minister of Communication and Information, said: “Almost two dozen widely used social media platforms in Nepal were formally notified several times to register, but they did not comply. Therefore, these platforms will be shut down immediately.”
According to Al Jazeera, companies were given until Wednesday to complete the registration process. Gajendra Kumar Thakur, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, Technology, and Communication, said that unregistered platforms had already started to be taken offline.
The Ministry stated that the decision was aimed at ensuring accountability by requiring platforms to appoint a local representative, a grievance officer, and a compliance officer for self-regulation. By Thursday, however, major platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and X were still accessible, AFP reported.
The move has sparked criticism from digital rights advocates. Bhola Nath Dhungana, president of Digital Rights Nepal, said: “The sudden closure reveals the government’s authoritarian behavior. It is a direct blow to people’s fundamental rights. Regulating social media is not wrong, but we first need a legal framework. Abrupt shutdowns look like a controlling measure.”
A government official told Reuters that TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live had completed registration, while others failed to comply despite repeated warnings. A government notification has instructed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to block access to all unregistered platforms, though officials have not provided a definitive list of the targeted services.
