Nepal Blocks Facebook & Instagram Over Unregistered Platforms

Kathmandu: Social media users across Nepal are facing difficulties logging into Facebook and Instagram following the government’s enforcement of a new ban on unregistered social media platforms. Many users reported being unable to access these services on web browsers, with messages such as “hmm… something went wrong,” “This site can’t be reached,” and “Safari can’t connect to the server” appearing when attempting to log in.

Monika Malla, a university graduate, shared her experience: “I tried logging in to Facebook via Safari and Google Chrome, but it’s not working anymore. For the time being, the app on mobile is working, but I am confident it will also go dark soon; it’s just a matter of time.”

This sudden disruption has led many Nepali users to seek information on alternative platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, and YouTube, which are still operational as of 10:45 PM (NPT).

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Government Bans Unregistered Social Media Platforms

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Nepal has officially decided to block 26 social media platforms that were operating without proper registration. This decision came after a meeting led by Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithivi Subba Gurung. The meeting included ministry officials, representatives from the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, telecom operators, and internet service providers.

The government had earlier given these platforms a seven-day deadline to register and comply with the national regulations, which expired at midnight on Wednesday. Platforms that fail to complete registration are now facing immediate restrictions across Nepal.

Platforms Already Registered

Some platforms have completed the registration process and are operating legally in Nepal. These include Viber, TikTok, Wetalk, and Nimbuzz. Other platforms like Telegram and Global Diary are currently in the process of registration. However, major platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), and WhatsApp have not yet begun registration, putting them at risk of being blocked nationwide.

The government has made it clear that unregistered platforms will remain inaccessible until they follow the proper registration procedure and comply with national laws.

Nationwide Ban Explained

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology emphasized that the restrictions will apply across the entire country. Any unregistered social media platforms operating in Nepal are subject to the ban, and their services will be suspended until they register and follow government guidelines.

The list of blocked platforms includes major social media and communication apps such as Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Rumble, Mi Video, Mi Vike, Line, Imo, Jalo, Sol, and Hamro Patro.

The government has assured that these platforms can resume their services once they complete registration and demonstrate compliance with Nepalese laws.

Legal Background: Supreme Court Mandate

The ban follows a Supreme Court order issued on Wednesday. The court's decision came nearly five years after writ petitions were filed seeking restrictions on unlicensed social media platforms, over-the-top (OTT) apps, and internet browsers.

A joint bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shanti Singh Thapa heard three related writ petitions together and ruled in favor of the petitioners. The court directed that unlicensed platforms must stop broadcasting advertisements and content without legal permission.

The original petitions were filed by advocates B.P. Gautam and Anita Bajgain in December 2020, seeking a ban on unrestricted foreign advertisements and content on social media platforms. Similarly, Manoj Gurung, General Secretary of the Nepal Cable Television Federation, had filed a writ with the same purpose. The Supreme Court consolidated all the cases and issued a mandamus, making it mandatory for platforms to obtain legal licenses.

Government Notices and Deadline

Last Thursday, the Nepal government issued a notice requiring all social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google, and Gmail—that had not yet registered to complete the registration process.

Despite repeated notices and reminders, none of the major platforms submitted their registration applications before the seven-day deadline ended on Wednesday. Minister Prithivi Subba Gurung, speaking to the National Assembly on August 19, confirmed that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, had been repeatedly urged to register in Nepal but had not complied with the country’s laws and constitution.

Registration Requirements for Platforms

The Ministry’s notice outlined the requirements for operational platforms. Social media companies operating in Nepal are required to:

• Register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

• Designate official contact points in Nepal.

• Appoint officials to receive local complaints from users.

• Assign compliance monitoring officers to oversee platform operations in line with national rules.

Platforms that fail to meet these requirements will remain inaccessible to users in Nepal.

Public Reaction and Concerns

The ban has raised concerns among users, especially Nepalis living abroad who rely on these platforms to communicate with their families. A user on Twitter (X) questioned, “How do Nepalis living abroad talk to their family and home starting today?”

While some platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Twitter remain accessible, the ongoing uncertainty has left many users frustrated and searching for alternative ways to stay connected.

Officials have assured that the ban is temporary and compliance with registration rules will allow the services to resume legally.

Future Implications

This move marks a significant step in Nepal’s regulation of social media, as it emphasizes legal compliance and local accountability. Social media companies are now required to operate under the country’s laws, provide local support, and ensure that content and advertisements meet regulatory standards.

Experts predict that if major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp fail to comply, the temporary restrictions could extend for months. This will significantly impact communication, marketing, and social interaction for millions of Nepalis, both inside the country and abroad.

Nepal’s government has taken strong measures to regulate social media platforms operating without registration. The ban affects major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and others, causing widespread login issues for users across the country.

The Supreme Court mandate, combined with the government’s seven-day registration deadline, underscores Nepal’s push for stricter control over digital communication. While some platforms have complied, others have yet to start the registration process. Users are now left waiting for services to resume once platforms meet the government’s legal requirements.