Nepal bans Facebook, X, YouTube and more in crackdown on unregistered sites
Nepal has moved to block access to Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and other major social media platforms after they failed to comply with new government registration rules.
This ban follows an August 25 Cabinet decision requiring social media companies to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology within seven days under a new directive on online regulation.
Officials say the policy is aimed at curbing hate speech, misinformation and cybercrime.
Among the 26 social media sites affected were photo and video messaging app Snapchat, professional networking platform LinkedIn, online forum site Reddit, and free messaging app WhatsApp.
Only five platforms — TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live — met the deadline, while Telegram and Global Diary remain under review. Meta has been in contact with Nepalese officials about the requirements.
The ban has drawn criticism from opposition figures, who warn it threatens freedom of expression.
“Regulation is necessary, but the government must first identify what the problem is and where it lies,” said Raj Pandey, leader of the parliament’s main opposition party. “If social media is shut down, the country will become chaotic. We oppose this decision.”
“Regulation is necessary, but the government must first identify what the problem is and where it lies,” Pandey said. “If social media is shut down, the country will become chaotic. We oppose this decision.”
Nepal has an estimated 14.3 million active social media users in Nepal as of early 2025, or nearly half of its population, according to Data Reportal.
Around 14.3 million people use Facebook, 3.9 million use Instagram, 2 million use LinkedIn and 390,000 use X.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
