Nepal UK
KATHMANDU — The Government of Nepal has initiated a nationwide block on major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, after they failed to comply with a legal directive to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The decision, effective as of Thursday, 4 September 2025, has left millions of users without access to services that have become a fundamental part of daily life.
The move follows a directive from the Supreme Court and a recent Cabinet decision to enforce the 'Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2023'. Under this directive, platforms were given a seven-day deadline from 28 August 2025 to register with the ministry. Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that the government had no choice but to act after the deadline expired on Wednesday, 3 September 2025, with no major platforms complying.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has issued a list of 26 platforms to be blocked, instructing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement the shutdown. While the ban is being implemented gradually, major service providers like WorldLink and Ncell have confirmed they have begun blocking access. This has led to inconsistent service, with some users still able to access platforms while others are completely cut off.
Only a few platforms, including TikTok, Viber, Nimbuzz, WeTalk, and Opolive, have successfully completed the registration process and remain operational. Two other platforms, Telegram and Global Link, have been granted temporary permission while their registration is being processed. The government has maintained that the block is temporary and will be lifted immediately for any platform that completes the legal requirements.
The ban has sparked widespread frustration and criticism from various sectors. Human rights organisations, civil society groups, and journalists have voiced "serious concern" over the decision, arguing it infringes on fundamental rights to freedom of expression and access to information. Small businesses and content creators who rely on these platforms for their livelihood, especially ahead of the festive season, have also expressed alarm.
In a recent development, the Cyber Bureau of the Nepal Police issued an advisory cautioning users against using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to circumvent the ban, citing potential risks of data theft and cybercrime. The government's action has been defended by officials as a necessary step to ensure accountability and regulation, while critics argue it is a regressive move that harms the country's digital economy and public discourse.
