Nepal bans Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp for failing to register with IT ministry
Platforms were given seven days from August 28 to comply with Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023
PTC Web Desk: The Government of Nepal has announced a ban on major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Twitter (X), Reddit, and LinkedIn, after they failed to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) within the stipulated deadline. The restriction will be enforced from Thursday midnight.
According to ministry officials, the platforms were given seven days from August 28 to comply with the Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023. However, none of the major international firms, including Meta and Alphabet, submitted applications before the deadline expired on Wednesday night.
In contrast, platforms such as TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live have successfully registered, while Telegram and Global Diary are in the process of securing approval.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Communications and IT Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung. The ministry has directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to block all unregistered platforms until they complete the registration process.
“Except for the five listed platforms and two currently under review, all others will be deactivated within Nepal. Once a platform completes registration, it will be restored immediately,” said ministry spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur.
Observers highlighted that the move could have significant implications for millions of Nepali citizens working and studying abroad, who rely heavily on apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp to stay connected with families back home.
The ban could also impact content creators in Nepal, as Facebook recently included the country in its monetisation programme, enabling users to earn from videos, reels, and stories.
The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has condemned the government’s move, calling it a violation of freedom of expression and the right to information guaranteed by the constitution.
The ministry has clarified that the ban is temporary and conditional — any platform completing the registration process will be reinstated on the same day. However, until then, some of the world’s most widely used social media platforms will remain inaccessible within Nepal.