Taking stern action against social media platforms operating without registration, the Government of Nepal on Thursday decided to block 26 such platforms.
A meeting on the matter was organised, which was attended by Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, ministry officials, representatives from the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, telecom operators, and internet service providers. The decision to block the platforms was taken during the meeting.
According to ministry officials, all unregistered platforms will be restricted with immediate effect. The Ministry has already begun issuing letters to the concerned companies. The government had set a seven-day deadline for mandatory registration, which expired on Wednesday past midnight.
However, major social media platforms such as Meta (Facebook, Alphabet, X, Reddit, and LinkedIn have not yet contacted the Ministry regarding the process. Officials had earlier warned that platforms failing to comply would face a gradual suspension of their services in Nepal.
Currently, platforms such as Viber, TikTok, Wetalk and Nimbuzz are registered, while Telegram and Global Diary are in the process. Widely used platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X), and WhatsApp have yet to initiate registration.
This move follows a Supreme Court order and a recent ministerial meeting led by Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology clarified that the restriction will apply nationwide and that any unregistered platforms found operating in Nepal will also face the same ban. The government has emphasised that platforms may resume operation once they complete registration, ensuring compliance with national regulations.
