Nepal has announced a government ban on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and 23 other social media platforms. The restrictions come after the platforms’ registration deadline, which expired on Wednesday evening, was not met. The ban was implemented starting from midnight to enforce compliance with recent regulations requiring social media companies to register with Nepalese authorities.
The regulation aims to bring foreign social media companies under the country’s legal framework, potentially to address concerns related to content moderation, data security, and national security. The government stated that unregistered platforms were operating without proper authorization, prompting the immediate suspension of their operations within Nepal.
Social media users and businesses in Nepal are expected to experience disruptions as a result of the ban, which affects some of the most widely used platforms in the country. Authorities indicated that registered platforms would continue to operate once compliance procedures are met, but did not specify whether unregistered platforms could seek to re-enter the market under new regulations.
The move reflects Nepal’s broader efforts to regulate digital space and ensure social media platforms align with national policies. The government emphasized its commitment to balancing digital freedoms with security and legal considerations, though the ban has sparked discussions about free speech and access to information within the country.