Nepal Blocks Major Social Media Platforms Over New Registration Law

The Government of Nepal has blocked access to several widely used social platforms — including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, Reddit and WeChat — after those services failed to register under a new directive requiring platforms to provide a local contact, grievance handler and a self-regulation officer. Platforms that registered, such as TikTok and Viber, were exempted and remain accessible.

What happened

• A government directive required social platforms to register and appoint local compliance officers to operate in Nepal.
• Authorities warned unregistered platforms would be deactivated after a deadline; several major services did not complete the registration and were blocked.
• The government framed the move as an effort to curb online hate, rumors and cybercrime; opponents call it censorship and an attack on press freedom.

Reactions

Digital Rights Nepal’s president Bhola Nath Dhungana said a sudden shutdown was “controlling,” and organizations like the Federation of Nepali Journalists and the Committee to Protect Journalists warned the move undermines press freedom and citizens’ right to information.

Context

Nepal joins a number of countries tightening oversight of social platforms; similar rules in the region have required local compliance officers and takedown mechanisms.

Sources

• TechCrunch: Nepal blocks Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X over non-registration
• Committee to Protect Journalists: Nepal orders ban on major social media platforms
• Times of India: Nepal bans Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and other platforms for failing registration

What do you think — is this regulation necessary for safety, or a step toward control and censorship? Share your thoughts below.