Nepal has banned all the major social media websites. The country has instructed internet service providers to block 26 top social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X, which was earlier known as Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, WhatsApp and Snapchat. This step was taken after all these companies failed to register with the government within the seven-day deadline.

The decision to ban the platforms comes after a Supreme Court directive in a contempt of court case, which told the government to make sure that all local and international online sites register with officials before operating in the country and to also monitor unwanted content.

“The Honourable Supreme Court, in a contempt of court case (Case No. 080-8-0012), has issued a directive order in the name of the Government of Nepal to mandatorily list domestic or foreign-origin online and social media platforms with the relevant authorities before operation and to evaluate and monitor unwanted content. In accordance with the decision of the Government of Nepal (Council of Ministers) dated 2082.05.09, for the implementation of the said order, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has published a public notice on 2082.05.12, giving a deadline of seven (7) days to list social media platforms as per the 'Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080'. All stakeholders are hereby informed that the Nepal Telecommunication Authority has been directed to deactivate social media platforms within Nepal that have not contacted the Ministry for listing within the specified time limit and to reactivate them from the same moment if they are listed,” a notice issued by the ministry said.

The Supreme Court order followed several petitions filed since 2020. These petitions demanded restrictions on unlicensed platforms that were broadcasting advertisements and content in Nepal. Under the Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080, platforms are required to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, appoint a local representative and compliance officer and also set up mechanisms to deal with local complaints.

The blocked platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, YouTube, X, Reddit, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Rumble, Line, Imo, Jalo, Sol, Hamro Patro, Mi Video and Mi Vike3.

The platforms that remain active include TikTok, Viber, Wetalk, Nimbuzz, which are already registered, Telegram and Global Diary, which is still in the process of registration.

Nepal’s communications minister Prithvi Subba Gurung said that the government had repeatedly asked the social media platforms to complete their registration, but none of the requests were followed. Gurung also said that once the companies finish the registration process, their services will be restored.

On the other hand, rights groups have opposed the move. They said the decision threatens freedom of expression and press freedom. The Committee to Protect Journalists and Access Now likened the order to overbroad censorship and called for transparency and restoration of access.

Meanwhile, parliament is debating a new social media bill which could impose fines and jail terms for content considered against “national interest”, drawing further criticism from civil society groups.