TOI-OnlineNepal has imposed a nationwide ban on 26 social media and messaging platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, YouTube, Reddit and LinkedIn.
The action follows the platforms’ failure to register with Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology within seven days of an August 25 directive.
Users reported errors such as “site can’t be reached” and “something went wrong,” though some applications remained temporarily accessible via mobile devices.
What led to the ban?
A Supreme Court directive required all domestic and foreign platforms to register with Nepali authorities to remain operational. The government’s order mandated platforms to:
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung said repeated requests including to Meta Platforms went unanswered, forcing the government to act. The move, he added, aims to curb online hate speech, misinformation and cybercrime.
How was the decision taken?
A meeting chaired by Minister Gurung with ministry officials, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, telecom operators and internet service providers directed all non-compliant platforms to be blocked nationwide starting September 4, 2025.
Who registered, who did not?
Only five platforms,TikTok, Wetalk, Nimbuzz, Viber and one other, have formally registered, while Telegram and Global Diary are in the process.
Banned platforms include Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, WhatsApp, Reddit, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Discord, Signal, Threads, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, VKontakte, Line, IMO, Zalo, Sol, Hamro Patro, Mi Video and Mi Vike.
Officials stressed the ban is conditional and services can resume once compliance requirements are met.
Concerns raised
Rights groups and citizens have criticised the move as censorship and an attack on freedom of expression. Telecom operator Ncell, which derives nearly half of its internet traffic from social media platforms, warned of a significant revenue hit.
The action follows the platforms’ failure to register with Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology within seven days of an August 25 directive.
Users reported errors such as “site can’t be reached” and “something went wrong,” though some applications remained temporarily accessible via mobile devices.
What led to the ban?
A Supreme Court directive required all domestic and foreign platforms to register with Nepali authorities to remain operational. The government’s order mandated platforms to:
- Register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
- Establish a local liaison or contact person
- Appoint a grievance officer
- Implement mechanisms for self-regulation and content moderation
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung said repeated requests including to Meta Platforms went unanswered, forcing the government to act. The move, he added, aims to curb online hate speech, misinformation and cybercrime.
How was the decision taken?
A meeting chaired by Minister Gurung with ministry officials, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, telecom operators and internet service providers directed all non-compliant platforms to be blocked nationwide starting September 4, 2025.
Who registered, who did not?
Only five platforms,TikTok, Wetalk, Nimbuzz, Viber and one other, have formally registered, while Telegram and Global Diary are in the process.
Banned platforms include Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, WhatsApp, Reddit, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Discord, Signal, Threads, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, VKontakte, Line, IMO, Zalo, Sol, Hamro Patro, Mi Video and Mi Vike.
Officials stressed the ban is conditional and services can resume once compliance requirements are met.
Concerns raised
Rights groups and citizens have criticised the move as censorship and an attack on freedom of expression. Telecom operator Ncell, which derives nearly half of its internet traffic from social media platforms, warned of a significant revenue hit.
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