Nepal Pulls the Plug: Facebook, YouTube Among 26 Social Media Platforms Banned Over Registration Row

In a sweeping move that has stunned digital users across South Asia, the Government of Nepal has officially banned 26 social media platforms, including global giants Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The decision, announced on September 4, 2025, follows a week-long ultimatum issued to tech companies to register locally and comply with new national regulations. With the deadline expired and no compliance in sight, the government has ordered immediate deactivation of these platforms within Nepal.

 

Key developments and timeline

 

1.⁠ ⁠On August 28, Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued a seven-day deadline for social media platforms to register with the government  

2.⁠ ⁠The registration mandate required companies to appoint a local liaison, grievance officer, and ensure accountability mechanisms  

3.⁠ ⁠By midnight on September 3, none of the major platforms had submitted applications  

4.⁠ ⁠On September 4, the ministry directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to block all non-compliant platforms  

 

Platforms affected and exceptions

 

1.⁠ ⁠Banned platforms include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, Reddit, LinkedIn, and Snapchat  

2.⁠ ⁠Only five platforms—TikTok, Viber, Popo Live, Nimbuzz, and Witk—have registered and are allowed to operate  

3.⁠ ⁠Telegram and Global Diary are currently under review and may be reinstated upon approval  

 

Government’s justification

 

1.⁠ ⁠The move is backed by a recent Supreme Court ruling that mandates all online platforms—domestic or foreign—must register with a competent authority to operate in Nepal  

2.⁠ ⁠Officials argue the ban is necessary to curb misinformation, cybercrime, and the misuse of fake accounts that threaten social harmony  

3.⁠ ⁠Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung emphasized that repeated notices were ignored, leaving the government with no choice but to enforce the shutdown  

 

Legislative context

 

1.⁠ ⁠A bill is currently under debate in Nepal’s parliament to formalize the regulation of social media platforms  

2.⁠ ⁠The proposed legislation aims to ensure platforms are responsible for content moderation and user accountability  

3.⁠ ⁠Critics argue the bill is overly intrusive and may be used to suppress dissent and control online speech  

 

Public and political reaction

 

1.⁠ ⁠Free speech advocates and media watchdogs have condemned the move, calling it a blow to democratic values and press freedom  

2.⁠ ⁠The Federation of Nepalese Journalists issued a statement demanding immediate withdrawal of the ban, citing violations of the constitutional right to information  

3.⁠ ⁠Opposition leaders warned that the decision could destabilize public discourse and isolate Nepal digitally  

 

Impact on citizens and diaspora

 

1.⁠ ⁠Over 90 percent of Nepal’s 30 million citizens use the internet, with Facebook and WhatsApp being primary communication tools  

2.⁠ ⁠The ban is expected to disrupt communication for millions of Nepalese living abroad, especially students and migrant workers  

3.⁠ ⁠Content creators and small businesses relying on social media for outreach and monetization will face significant setbacks  

 

Global context and comparisons

 

1.⁠ ⁠Nepal joins a growing list of countries tightening control over digital platforms, including India, Brazil, and Australia  

2.⁠ ⁠While some governments cite national security and misinformation concerns, critics warn of rising digital authoritarianism  

3.⁠ ⁠Nepal had previously banned TikTok in 2023, only to reinstate it in 2024 after compliance with local laws  

 

What’s next

 

1.⁠ ⁠The government has stated that any platform completing registration will be reinstated immediately  

2.⁠ ⁠Users may resort to VPNs to bypass restrictions, though this poses legal and cybersecurity risks  

3.⁠ ⁠The debate over digital freedom versus regulation is expected to intensify in Nepal’s parliament and civil society  

 

Sources: India TV News, The Hindu, The Telegraph India, Mathrubhumi English, ThePrint, Kathmandu Post, Nepalitelecom.com