Confusion enveloped Nepal on Thursday as the government announced a sweeping shutdown of unregistered social media platforms, a move that has sent ripples through the daily lives of many Nepalis, from the youth to the elderly. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), acting on a directive from its overseeing ministry, unveiled a list of 26 platforms slated for blockage, including major players such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp.
In the wake of this unexpected announcement, users took to Facebook and X to share what they termed their “last photos,” expressing disbelief and discontent at the abrupt decision. Speculation quickly circulated in Kathmandu that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and its associated platforms, had reached out to local officials, indicating a willingness to align with Nepal’s regulatory requirements. Gajendra Thakur, spokesperson for the Ministry of Communication, confirmed that Meta had indeed sent an inquiry regarding necessary documentation.
As apprehension mounted, many users began downloading Viber, a voice over IP and instant messaging app owned by Japan’s Rakuten. Reports indicated that by Thursday evening, Google’s Play Store was struggling to accommodate the surge in downloads from Nepali users.
Government Directive and Compliance Issues
This ban follows a Cabinet decision made on August 25, which mandated that all social media operators register within a week under the Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2023. With the deadline having passed on Wednesday, the government felt compelled to act. Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that the decision was made in accordance with a Supreme Court directive aimed at regulating social media companies that operate without proper approval.
Under the new directive, platforms are required to register with the Ministry of Communication, obtain a license within three months, renew it every three years, and appoint a local contact person. Minister Gurung noted that many platforms had disregarded these directives, prompting the ministry to instruct the NTA to initiate the blocking process. Sudhir Parajuli, president of the Internet Service Providers Association, confirmed that they had received the regulator’s letter and were in the process of forming a technical committee to outline the blocking procedure, with bans expected to take effect by Friday evening.
The government’s decision has ignited widespread frustration among users. Many on X labeled the move as regressive and detrimental in today’s digital landscape. Jaya Jung Mahat, co-founder of the Nepal Institute for Policy Research, remarked that this decision is likely to be unpopular among both citizens and the Nepali diaspora. Sujeev Shakya, CEO of Beed Management, expressed concern over the implications of such a sudden shutdown, while Mahesh Kushwaha from the Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy criticized the government for neglecting the needs of hundreds of thousands of migrant workers who rely on these platforms to stay connected with their families.
Despite the backlash, the government maintains that it has made repeated attempts to secure compliance from social media companies, with the Supreme Court supporting its position. A ruling on August 17 mandated that social media platforms must be registered in Nepal and subjected to oversight. The final notice issued last week required platforms to appoint a resident grievance officer and a compliance officer within the country.
Minister Gurung defended the government’s actions, stating that discussions through diplomatic channels had not yielded results, leading to the decision to gradually close unregistered platforms. However, experts have criticized this approach as shortsighted, warning that shutting down social media could infringe upon social, economic, cultural, and constitutional rights. Santosh Sigdel, executive director of Digital Rights Nepal, highlighted the critical role social media plays for over five million Nepalis living abroad, as well as its importance in various sectors within the country.
Some digital rights advocates argue that Nepal should pursue regulatory frameworks through parliamentary legislation rather than administrative directives. They noted that different countries adopt varying approaches to social media regulation, with some only requiring registration after platforms reach a certain user threshold. For instance, India’s Information Technology Act, 2000 and its subsequent 2021 IT Rules impose obligations on platforms, including self-regulation and content classification.
Social media is a dominant force in Nepal, accounting for nearly 80 percent of total internet traffic, primarily driven by platforms like Facebook, Messenger, and YouTube. According to recent statistics, Nepal boasts 2.97 million internet subscribers, with 13.5 million active Facebook users and millions more on other platforms. The sudden ban has raised alarms among small business owners who rely on social media for marketing and sales, particularly as the festive season approaches. Kiran Timsina, co-founder of Urban Girl, shared his determination to thrive despite the challenges, offering alternative platforms for orders.
Nepal’s recent history with platform bans reveals a pattern of reversals. In November 2023, the government banned TikTok, citing threats to social harmony, only to lift the ban in August 2024 after ByteDance pledged compliance. Similarly, Telegram faced a ban in July 2024 for alleged misuse but has since sought registration with the ministry.
