Nepal Blocks Major Social Media Platforms over Registration Rules: Critics Fear Censorship and Threats to Free Expression
Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has instructed internet service providers to restrict access to 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, due to non-compliance with local registration rules. This directive, which came after a meeting of ministry officials on Thursday, has sparked criticism from media rights groups, raising concerns over censorship and free expression.
The affected social media platforms include Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WeChat, Reddit, Snapchat, YouTube, and X. Nepal’s internet penetration rate stands at over 90%, with a significant majority of users relying on Facebook (87%), followed by X (6%) and YouTube (5%).
The decision follows an August 25 directive that gave foreign social media companies just seven days to register their operations in Nepal and assign a local contact person. However, some platforms like TikTok and Russia’s Viber are not affected as they have already complied with the rules.
Media advocacy groups and civil society organizations have expressed concern over this move, stating it would hinder journalists’ work and limit people’s access to news and information. The Committee to Protect Journalists, a New York-based nonprofit, has stated that such action seriously undermines press freedom and citizens’ right to information.
In response, the Communications and Information Technology Minister, Prithvi Subba Gurung, mentioned that repeated requests had been made, including to Meta (Facebook’s parent company), but they did not comply with the registration requirements in Nepal.
Meta, Google, and Snap have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding this matter. Access to the platforms will be restored once they register in the country, as stated in a public notice issued by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
Raman Jit Singh Chima, Asia Pacific Policy Director and Global Cybersecurity Lead at Access Now, argues that Nepal should publish all blocking orders, restore access, and shift to a legislative process that narrows vague prohibitions and builds in due process, transparency, and meaningful consultation. Without clear appeal or independent oversight, the directive grants the government sweeping powers to suspend services, order removals, and deputize local ‘grievance’ and ‘self-regulation’ officers inside companies.
This decision comes amid ongoing debate over a proposed social media bill still pending approval in Nepal. The legislation includes provisions for imprisonment and fines for posts deemed against national sovereignty or interest. If enacted, this bill threatens to severely undermine press freedom and digital expression. Responding to early criticism of the proposed legislation, Minister Gurung has stated that the government has no intention of curtailing freedom of expression. However, the bill would also authorize the government to order social media platforms to remove certain posts, with noncompliance potentially resulting in fines.
