Nepal has blocked access to 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), after these companies missed the government's registration deadline, a move driven by new regulatory demands and a Supreme Court directive. The ban, ordered on September 4, 2025, is being enforced by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) following a ministerial decision led by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology[1][3].
The government mandated that all foreign social media and on...
The government mandated that all foreign social media and online streaming platforms must register with Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology to operate legally. This registration requires platforms to appoint a local point of contact, a resident grievance handling officer, and an officer responsible for monitoring compliance with self-regulation. These measures are part of the Directives on Managing the Use of Social Media Networks issued in 2023. Despite a Cabinet directive issued on August 25, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X failed to register by the deadline, triggering the ban[2][3].
The Supreme Court of Nepal had earlier ruled on August 17 th...
The Supreme Court of Nepal had earlier ruled on August 17 that online platforms must be registered before operating in the country to enable better monitoring of misinformation and ensure compliance with national laws. The court also instructed the government to draft necessary regulations to oversee foreign broadcasters[1][3].
While some platforms such as Viber and TikTok have complied...
While some platforms such as Viber and TikTok have complied and registered, major Western-owned platforms have not responded to government requests. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology reported that Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, repeatedly refused to register. The government’s move to block unregistered platforms is seen as an effort to implement the Supreme Court’s order and assert regulatory control over digital content and advertising within Nepal[3].
This sweeping social media ban has raised serious concerns f...
This sweeping social media ban has raised serious concerns from press freedom advocates. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) criticized the government’s decision, warning that blocking access to these platforms will hinder journalists’ ability to report and restrict the public’s access to information. CPJ called on the Nepalese government to rescind the ban immediately and restore access, emphasizing the essential role of social media in exercising press freedom[3].
The ban is currently in effect, with the possibility of lift...
The ban is currently in effect, with the possibility of lifting restrictions if platforms initiate the registration process. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority is coordinating with internet service providers to enforce the shutdown of these platforms until compliance is achieved[1][2][3]. This development marks a significant tightening of media regulation in Nepal amid broader concerns about controlling online content and misinformation.
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 7:20:05 PM
Nepal’s decision to block 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, after they missed the government’s registration deadline, has sparked strong industry and expert criticism. Beh Lih Yi, Regional Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, called the ban a "dangerous precedent for press freedom" that will "seriously hinder journalists’ work and people’s access to news and information"[4]. Industry analysts note that with Nepal’s internet penetration above 90%, and Facebook alone used by 87% of social media users, this move significantly disrupts digital communication and risks deepening censorship under the guise of regulatory compliance[1]. Meanwhile, Nepal’s government insists the measures are necessary to ensure accountability and monitor misinformation
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 7:30:13 PM
Nepal's move to block 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, after they failed to register locally, has sparked significant expert criticism. The Committee to Protect Journalists warned this sweeping ban "sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom" and "will seriously hinder journalists’ work and access to news," urging the government to restore access immediately[4]. Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung justified the move by citing non-compliance despite repeated notices, emphasizing the need for accountability and local oversight of social media operations[2].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 7:40:13 PM
Nepal has technically enforced a nationwide ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, after these companies failed to comply with a registration deadline set by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology following a Supreme Court ruling[1][4]. The block directs the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to shut down access immediately, with restoration contingent upon initiation of the registration process, highlighting a state-controlled gatekeeping of digital content and user data flows[1]. Notably, only Japanese-owned Viber and Chinese-owned TikTok have registered, illustrating geopolitical cleavages in platform compliance and digital diplomacy[1].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 7:50:17 PM
Following Nepal's blocking of Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X after these platforms missed the government’s registration deadline, public reaction has been one of strong concern and criticism. Social media users, among whom 87% use Facebook, expressed frustration over losing access to key communication and news platforms, while media rights groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists warned the ban “seriously hinders journalists’ work and people’s access to news and information”[1][2]. The Federation of Nepali Journalists condemned the move as undermining press freedom, highlighting the impact on citizens’ right to information amid Nepal’s 90% internet penetration[1].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 8:00:29 PM
Nepal's sudden blocking of Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X has sparked significant public backlash, with media rights groups warning it will severely limit citizens' access to information. With over 90% internet penetration and 87% of users on Facebook alone, many Nepalis have voiced frustration, and the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the ban as a major threat to press freedom, calling for immediate restoration of access[1][2]. The Federation of Nepali Journalists also decried the move, emphasizing its negative impact on journalists' work and public news access[1].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 8:10:36 PM
Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology ordered the immediate blocking of 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, after they missed the August 25 deadline to register as required by a Supreme Court ruling on August 17 aimed at monitoring misinformation. Platforms like Viber and TikTok have complied and remained accessible, while major Western platforms refused to register, prompting the government’s enforcement action to protect national regulatory oversight. The Ministry stated that access might be restored gradually if these platforms initiate the registration process[1][4].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 8:20:32 PM
Nepal's blocking of Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X has sparked significant public backlash, as these platforms are used by a vast majority of Nepalis—87% on Facebook alone, with YouTube and X also prominent[1]. Media rights groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the ban, warning it will "seriously hinder journalists’ work and people’s access to news and information" and undermine press freedom[1][2]. The Federation of Nepali Journalists echoed these concerns, stating the move "undermines citizens' right to information"[1]. Many users have expressed frustration on alternative channels, highlighting disruption to daily communication and news consumption.
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 8:30:35 PM
Nepal's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to block 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, after these companies failed to comply with an August 25 government deadline to register and assign a local contact person[1][3]. The decision follows a Supreme Court mandate requiring all foreign social media platforms to register before operating in Nepal as part of efforts to monitor misinformation[2][3]. Communication Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal stated Meta (Facebook's parent company) repeatedly refused registration requests, prompting the government to enforce immediate restrictions, with access potentially restored only if platforms initiate registration[3].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 8:40:32 PM
Nepal has technically disabled access to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and 23 other major social media platforms after they missed the government’s seven-day registration deadline set on August 28, 2025, under the Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023 directives[1][3]. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority was directed to execute the block, effectively cutting off millions of users from these services as none of the large platforms—including Meta and Alphabet—submitted applications by the September 3 deadline[1]. Meanwhile, platforms like TikTok, Viber, and a few others remain accessible, reflecting selective enforcement based on registration compliance[1].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 8:50:30 PM
Following Nepal's ban on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X due to non-compliance with a mandatory registration deadline, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) explicitly cautioned investors against relying on these social media platforms for market information, urging trading only through licensed brokers[2]. This government action has introduced uncertainty in the local market, although no immediate significant stock price drops linked directly to the ban were reported as of now. Market participants remain cautious as major platforms remain inaccessible, potentially disrupting information flow and investor sentiment[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 9:00:41 PM
Nepal has blocked access to 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, after they failed to register with the government by the August 25 deadline set by a Cabinet directive and a Supreme Court order aimed at controlling misinformation[1][2]. Platforms like Viber and TikTok complied and remain accessible, while major Western platforms have refused registration, prompting immediate shutdown by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority as instructed by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology on September 4[2][3]. The Committee to Protect Journalists warned this sweeping ban threatens press freedom and public access to information in Nepal[2].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 9:10:40 PM
Nepal has officially blocked Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X after these global platforms missed the government-imposed registration deadline that expired on August 28, 2025. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology mandated registration within seven days under the Managing the Use of Social Networks directive, requiring foreign platforms to register for monitoring misinformation; major players like Meta, Alphabet, and X did not comply, leading to their ban enforced by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority[1][2]. Meanwhile, platforms such as TikTok and Viber completed registration and remain accessible, highlighting a selective enforcement approach based on compliance status[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 9:20:49 PM
Nepal has blocked about two dozen major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, after they missed the September 1 registration deadline mandated by the government to operate legally in the country[1][2]. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology ordered the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to shut down access following an August 25 Cabinet directive, with platforms like TikTok and Viber remaining available as they complied with registration[2]. Officials have justified the ban as necessary to ensure accountability and monitor misinformation, though critics warn it threatens freedom of expression and press freedom[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 9:30:47 PM
Nepal's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology ordered the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to block access to 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, after these companies missed the August 25 registration deadline to comply with local regulations[1][3]. This move follows a Supreme Court mandate requiring foreign online platforms to register before operating in Nepal to monitor misinformation, with enforcement immediate as of September 4, 2025[2][3]. The government stated platforms that begin the registration process may see gradual restoration of access, while companies like Meta have reportedly refused to register despite repeated requests[3].
🔄 Updated: 9/4/2025, 9:40:45 PM
Following Nepal's ban on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X due to missed registration deadlines, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) warned investors against relying on social media for trading decisions, emphasizing caution amid reduced access to these platforms[2]. While direct market impact data is limited, NEPSE's advisory suggests heightened investor wariness, with emphasis on trading only through licensed brokers to avoid misinformation previously spread on these now-blocked platforms[2]. No immediate stock price fluctuations from listed companies connected to these platforms have been reported yet, but the government's regulatory stance is poised to influence digital market sentiment.