Why TikTok escaped Nepal’s social media ban and the list of sites that went dark

Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology said the firms were given seven days to comply with a court order mandating registration but did not meet the deadline. A notice that followed directed internet service providers to deactivate access to the platforms.

How TikTok evaded the ban

TikTok stood out as the only major global platform still accessible in Nepal. Unlike its competitors, the Chinese-owned app completed the mandatory registration process within the stipulated period, agreeing to share company details with the government and accept local oversight.

Officials said this compliance ensured TikTok was not included in the ban list. The app had previously faced a nine-month suspension in 2023 over concerns of hate speech and cybercrime but was reinstated once it agreed to follow government rules.

Platforms Affected

The ban covers 26 popular sites and messaging apps. Among the most widely used platforms now inaccessible are:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• WhatsApp
• X
• Reddit
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest
• Signal
• WeChat

Only five companies complied with the registration order, and TikTok is the largest among them.

The blanket blackout has disrupted businesses and Nepal’s tourism industry, which rely heavily on social media for outreach and bookings. It has also affected millions of Nepali families, many of whom use messaging apps to stay connected with relatives working abroad.

The decision has sparked criticism from press freedom groups, who argue the ban amounts to censorship. Protesters on Kathmandu’s streets have accused the government of using “compliance” as a pretext to stifle free speech while sparing platforms that are more cooperative with state oversight.