Nepal Bans 26 Unregistered Social Media Platforms

In a landmark digital policy move, the Government of Nepal has banned 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The decision, announced by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung on September 4, 2025, is aimed at enforcing digital accountability and ensuring regulatory compliance under Nepal’s Directive for Regulation of Social Media Use, 2080.

The Ban: A Regulatory Enforcement Measure

The decision was finalized after a high-level meeting involving,

• Officials from the Ministry of Communications and IT (MoCIT)
• Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA)
• Representatives of telecom operators and internet service providers
• Following a seven-day ultimatum issued on August 28, all domestic and international social media platforms were directed to register with the Ministry, establish a local office, and appoint a designated contact person in Nepal.

Since many platforms failed to comply, the government instructed the NTA to disable access to these sites, including,

• Facebook
• WhatsApp
• Instagram
• YouTube
• X (Twitter)
• Viber
• Botim

TikTok and Telegram: The Exceptions and the Bans

• TikTok, though previously banned in August 2024, is now allowed to operate as it registered in Nepal in November 2024, fulfilling all requirements.
• Telegram, however, remains banned since July 2025, due to its alleged use in online fraud and money laundering activities.
• The regulation aims to ensure legal accountability of digital platforms and protect users, especially in light of rising online abuse, misinformation, and security concerns.

Legal Backing: Supreme Court Mandate

The crackdown follows a Supreme Court of Nepal order, issued while hearing a contempt of court case, which directed the government to ensure that no unregistered social media platform operates in the country. The Cabinet had approved the implementation on August 25, 2025, leading to the current enforcement.

Key Takeaways for Exam

• Nepal banned 26 unregistered social media platforms on September 4, 2025.
• The move is in line with the Directive for Regulation of Social Media Use, 2080.
• Platforms must register, have a local office, and appoint a compliance officer.
• TikTok is allowed as it registered in November 2024; Telegram remains banned.