Nepal has banned 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, citing non-compliance with registration rules to curb cybercrime.
Nepal Enacts Social Media Ban
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, government ordered the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to block 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, across the country, due to their failure to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, aiming to regulate online content and curb cybercrime.
Why It Matters
The decision disrupts communication and commerce for 30 million internet users, raising concerns about censorship and digital rights across South Asia, where governments increasingly seek to regulate online platforms.
Details of the Social Media Ban
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology mandated that all social media platforms register by Wednesday, September 3, 2025, under the Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023. The directive required platforms to appoint a local contact, grievance handler, and self-regulation officer. Only five platforms—TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, and Poppo Live—complied, while Telegram and Global Diary are under review. Major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and others face immediate restrictions.
According to the Ministry on X, the government issued multiple notices since November 2023, urging platforms to register, but major companies, including Meta, ignored requests. A ministry official stated that unregistered platforms will be deactivated nationwide until compliance is met.
Reasons for Nepal’s Social Media Block
The government cites the need to address cybercrime, fake accounts, and misinformation. Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung noted that users with fake IDs spread hatred and disrupt social harmony in a nation where 90% of the population uses the internet. A Supreme Court order in August 2025 reinforced the registration requirement to monitor unwanted content, prompting the government’s action.
Impact on Businesses and Daily Life
The ban affects millions, with 14.3–17.3 million Facebook users, 3.9–4.6 million Instagram users, and over 90% of smartphone users on WhatsApp. Small businesses, particularly in the informal sector (49% of Nepal’s 923,000 businesses), rely heavily on social media for marketing. The ban halts Meta’s recent monetisation programme, impacting creators’ earnings. The International Finance Corporation notes that the informal sector contributes 38% to economy, making the block a significant economic blow.
Public and Political Reactions
Opposition parties and digital rights advocates have criticized the move. Hit Raj Pandey, chief whip of CPN (Maoist Centre), called the decision objectionable, warning of potential social disarray. Bhola Nath Dhungana of Digital Rights Nepal stated, “This directly hits the fundamental rights of the public,” highlighting the lack of legal infrastructure for enforcement. The Committee to Protect Journalists warned that the ban undermines press freedom and access to information.
Workarounds and Cybersecurity Risks
Users are turning to VPNs to bypass restrictions, raising cybersecurity concerns. Cybersecurity expert Rajiv Subba noted that unregulated free VPNs could collect sensitive data, increasing risks of fraud. Past bans, like TikTok’s in 2023, saw similar trends, with Ncell reportedly losing NPR 600 million monthly due to VPN-driven bandwidth costs.
Background
Nepal has a history of restricting online platforms, including a nine-month TikTok ban lifted in August 2024 after registration. The current move aligns with a 2023 Supreme Court directive and reflects global trends, with countries like India and China enforcing similar regulations. High internet penetration (90%) and social media dominance (80% of traffic) amplify the ban’s impact.
What’s Next
The government has indicated that platforms can resume operations upon registration. However, experts anticipate challenges in enforcement and public backlash, with move to block social media platforms setting a precedent for digital regulation in South Asia.
The decision to block 26 social media platforms has sparked widespread debate in a country, which heavily reliant on digital communication. With millions of users affected, the ban disrupts daily life, from personal connections to business operations. The government defends the move as necessary for accountability, citing issues like cybercrime and misinformation. However, critics argue it infringes on freedom of expression and lacks clear implementation guidelines.
The NTA has instructed internet service providers to enforce the ban, with restrictions expected to take effect by Friday evening, September 5, 2025. Sudhir Parajuli, president of the Internet Service Providers Association, confirmed that a technical committee is outlining the blocking process. Meanwhile, social media users have expressed frustration, with some posting “last messages” on platforms like X, anticipating outages.
The ban’s timing, ahead of Nepal’s festive season, exacerbates its impact on small businesses and creators. Kiran Timsina, co-founder of UG Bazaar, shared alternative contact methods via TikTok and Viber, reflecting the adaptive measures users are taking. The government’s push for registration follows five public notices since November 2023, with direct correspondence to Meta and X yielding no response.
Globally, this move mirrors efforts by the US, EU, and Brazil to tighten oversight of tech giants, citing misinformation and privacy concerns. In South Asia, where digital economies are growing, this sets a significant precedent. Ujjwal Acharya of the Center for Media Research warned that the ban could harm Nepal’s democratic reputation, urging a more transparent regulatory approach.
As country navigates this digital clampdown, the balance between regulation and freedom remains contentious. The government’s ability to enforce compliance while addressing public concerns will shape the future of internet access in the country. For now, Nepal’s move to block social media platforms underscores the challenges of governing the digital age.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 5th, 2025
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