Journalism of Courage
Nepal’s government announced on Thursday that it is blocking most major social media platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, after the companies failed to comply with regulations requiring them to officially register in the country.
Minister for Communication and Information Prithvi Subba Gurung said about two dozen platforms widely used in Nepal had repeatedly been given notices to register, but did not respond. He said the platforms would be blocked immediately, news agency AP reported.
TikTok, Viber and three other platforms will continue to operate in Nepal, as they have registered with the government.
Authorities have been pressing social media companies to appoint a liaison office or contact point inside the country. A bill currently in parliament seeks to ensure that platforms are “properly managed, responsible and accountable.”
The proposed law, which has yet to be fully debated, has faced criticism from rights groups, who argue it is designed to censor dissent and punish online protests. They say it threatens freedom of expression and could violate citizens’ fundamental rights.
Officials, however, maintain that tighter regulations are needed to monitor social media and hold both users and operators accountable for what is posted and shared on their platforms.
(With Inputs from Associated Press)
