Nepal Blocks 26 Major Social Media Platforms Over Registration Non-Compliance

On September 4, 2025, the Government of Nepal announced a sweeping decision to block access to 26 major social media platforms. The order affects some of the world’s most widely used services including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Reddit, Snapchat, Pinterest, Discord, and Signal.

Officials explained that the action was taken after these companies failed to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) within the seven-day deadline. The registration directive requires platforms to set up a local office in Nepal, appoint an official representative, and create a grievance redressal system to handle user complaints.

Legal Mandate

The order followed a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nepal in an ongoing contempt of court case. The court had directed that all foreign digital communication platforms operating in Nepal must first register under national law before offering services. Authorities say this move is necessary to ensure accountability, protect citizens from cybercrime, and tackle the spread of misinformation.

Which Platforms Are Affected?

• Blocked: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Rumble, Line, Imo, and several others.

• Still Accessible: Platforms that either registered or began the process remain active. These include TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, Poppo Live, with Telegram still under review.

The Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, emphasized that the restrictions were introduced not to silence people, but to ensure that global platforms respect local laws.

Public Reaction

The ban has sparked strong reactions among citizens. Students and professionals, who rely heavily on platforms like YouTube for learning and LinkedIn for job opportunities, expressed frustration. Many called the restrictions disruptive, especially for those dependent on global networks for work and study.

Digital rights activists and civil society groups have criticized the move as excessive censorship. Concerns have been raised that it may restrict freedom of expression and access to information, with some warning that the proposed Social Media Bill—currently under debate in Parliament—could further expand government powers to penalize users and platforms.

Economic and Social Impact

Social media forms a large part of Nepal’s online activity, serving as a hub for education, commerce, entertainment, and communication. The sudden shutdown is expected to hit small businesses, startups, and freelancers who rely on these platforms for marketing and client outreach.

Telecom providers have also raised concerns, warning that the ban may cause a dip in data consumption and revenue.

For families, especially those with members working abroad, the restrictions add emotional and financial pressure. Many depend on apps like WhatsApp and Viber for affordable communication with loved ones overseas. Since remittances contribute significantly to Nepal’s economy, disruptions to these services could indirectly impact national income.

What Lies Ahead?

Authorities have indicated that the block is not permanent. If the affected companies complete the mandatory registration process and comply with Nepal’s digital regulations, access may be restored quickly.

Meanwhile, the Social Media Bill is expected to come up for further debate in Parliament later this year. If passed, it will introduce stricter content controls and penalties for platforms that fail to moderate content deemed harmful to the “national interest.”

Nepal’s decision to restrict 26 global social media platforms marks one of the most significant digital regulatory moves in South Asia in recent years. While the government frames it as a step toward accountability and user safety, critics fear it could set a precedent for state-controlled digital spaces.

For now, millions of users in Nepal are left adjusting to a dramatically altered online landscape where TikTok, Viber, and a handful of smaller apps remain available, but most global giants are inaccessible.