Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube Among 26 Social Media Apps Banned In Nepal: Find Out Why

Nepal has blocked access to 26 major social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Snapchat. The K. P. Sharma Oli government took this decision after these companies missed a seven-day deadline to register the apps with authorities. The government has directed internet service providers to deactivate the platforms until the requirements are met.

The ban follows a Supreme Court directive issued in a contempt of court case, which required the government to ensure that both domestic and foreign-origin online platforms register with authorities before operating in Nepal. The order also asked the government to monitor unwanted content and ensure compliance with local regulations.

“The Supreme Court, in Case No. 080-8-0012, directed the government to list all online platforms and evaluate content,” the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology said in a public notice. “Platforms that fail to register within the seven-day deadline will be deactivated but can be reactivated once registration is completed.”

Under Nepal’s Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080, platforms are required to register with the ministry, appoint a local contact person and compliance officer, and set up mechanisms to handle local complaints. The Supreme Court ruling stems from multiple petitions filed since 2020, highlighting concerns about unlicensed platforms broadcasting ads and content in Nepal.

While platforms like TikTok, Viber, Wetalk, Nimbuzz, Telegram, and Global Diary remain operational (with some in the registration process), major services like Facebook, Messenger, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, X, Reddit, Discord, Threads, Signal, Line, WeChat, Pinterest, Clubhouse, Tumblr, Rumble, Quora, Imo, Mi Vike3, Sol, Jalo, Hamro Patro, and Mi Video are blocked.

Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung defended the Nepal government’s decision, saying platforms were repeatedly asked to register, but the requests were ignored. “Once companies complete the registration process, their services will be restored,” he added.

However, rights groups and critics argue that the move threatens freedom of expression and press freedom. The Committee to Protect Journalists and Access Now described the ban as overbroad censorship, urging transparency and a speedy restoration of access.