World
Nepal Orders Ban On 26 Major Social Media Platforms, Including Facebook, WhatsApp and X; Move Sparks Public Outcry
Nepal prime minister K P Sharma Oli (Wikimedia Commons)
Nepal on Thursday (4 September) ordered the blocking of 26 major social media platforms that failed to register with local authorities, triggering confusion and widespread concern among users.
The Kathmandu Post reported that the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), acting on government instructions, issued a list of platforms to be barred.
The ban covers global giants such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), as well as LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, and several others.
Nepal's Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung said the step followed an 25 August Cabinet decision and a Supreme Court directive to regulate unregistered online platforms.
Under a 2023 Nepal government directive, companies must register with the Ministry of Communication, secure a licence within three months, and appoint representatives within Nepal.
“Many platforms ignored the directives,” Gurung told reporters, adding that repeated attempts to engage through diplomatic channels had failed.
The NTA has instructed the Internet Service Providers Association of Nepal to enforce the ban.
Association president Sudhir Parajuli confirmed the order, noting that a technical committee would outline the blocking process.
ISPs are expected to issue notices, with restrictions likely to begin from Friday (5 September) evening.
The announcement set off a wave of anxiety among Nepalis, who rely heavily on social media for communication, commerce, and entertainment.
On Facebook and X, users began posting what they called their “last photos,” lamenting the sudden clampdown.
Downloads surged so rapidly that Google’s Play Store experienced traffic spikes in Nepal by Thursday evening.
Rumours also spread that Meta — the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger — had reached out to Nepali officials.
Nepal's Communication Ministry spokesperson Gajendra Thakur confirmed that Meta had emailed inquiries about documentation requirements.
Nepalese internet service providers now face the challenge of technically blocking some of the world’s largest platforms while maintaining services.
The Internet Service Providers Association has requested the formation of a technical committee to ensure the process runs smoothly.
The Nepal government’s decision has drawn sharp criticism on social media.
Many Nepalis called the move “regressive” and harmful in an era when digital connectivity underpins education, business, and personal communication.
Officials, however, argued that the move is necessary for accountability and transparency.
A full bench of Nepal’s Supreme Court had earlier ruled that platforms must comply with local oversight to curb fake identities and ensure grievance redressal.
