Government Bans Unregistered Social Media in Nepal
The Government of Nepal has officially placed a ban on several popular social media platforms, including Facebook, after they failed to register with the authorities. The Ministry of Communication directed the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) to block access to these platforms once the registration deadline had passed.
This decision has raised many questions among citizens about which apps and websites will still remain accessible in the country.
Which Social Media Platforms Are Still Working?
Not all platforms have been affected. Some companies completed their registration on time and continue to operate without interruption. These include:
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TikTok
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Viber
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WeChat
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Nimbuzz
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Poppo Live
In addition, Telegram and Global Diary have already submitted their registration applications and are currently under review by the ministry.
On the other hand, major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) did not register within the given timeframe and are now subject to the ban.
Why Did the Government Enforce the Ban?
The government had set a seven-day deadline for all social media companies to complete mandatory registration and comply with local regulations. This requirement was intended to establish accountability, appoint local grievance officers, and ensure better monitoring of online activities.
When the deadline expired on Wednesday night, several platforms had still not registered. As a result, the government moved forward with blocking access to those services that failed to comply.