Nepal UK
Kathmandu – Nepali officials said X (previously known as Twitter), have contacted the authorities after the government-imposed ban on social media platforms not registered in the country.
Gajendra Thakur, spokesperson at the Ministry of Communication, Information and Technology told reporters that “X has sent an official email from its regional office in Singapore expressing interest in registering in Nepal and has asked for the list of required documents,” he added.
The government on Thursday blocked all unregistered social media platforms after they failed to contact the ministry by the deadline.
Following the directives from the government, Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) – a regulatory body- published a list of 26 platforms to be shut down, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, and Clubhouse, among others.
On August 25, the Council of Ministers had decided that all social media operators must register within seven days. The deadline expired on Wednesday (3rd September).
Officials say the government’s move follows a Supreme Court directive to regulate companies operating without approval. Under the directive, platforms must register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, secure a licence within three months, renew it every three years, and appoint a local representative in Nepal.
Criticism of the govt move
Human rights Commission, civil society organisations and opposition political parties have criticised the government’s move.
On Friday, the National Human Rights Commission issued a statement expressing ‘serious concern’ over the government’s decision to block major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. It urged authorities to review the move and consider alternative ways of regulating social media without violating people’s fundamental rights.
On Thursday, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and 22 other civil society organisations working for freedom of expression and right to information expressed strong objections to the government’s decision to shut down social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram for non-registration.
CPN (Maoist Centre), the main opposition, and Rastriya Swatantra Party, have also criticised the government’s move calling it ‘a move against citizens’ rights and contrary to democracy and constitutional provisions.’ Many individual leaders of the ruling parties have done the same.
