Why Nepal just blocked Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, other social platforms

Why Nepal just blocked Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, other social platforms

Nepal has ordered internet service providers to block access to major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

The decision comes after these companies failed to comply with local registration rules.

The move has drawn criticism from media rights groups and raised concerns over censorship and free expression in the country.

Ministry issues directive to Nepal Telecommunications Authority

On Thursday, Nepal's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to order internet service providers to block access to 26 social media platforms.

The decision was taken after a meeting of ministry officials earlier in the day.

Notably, TikTok and Russia's Viber are not included in this order as they have already registered with the government.

Which platforms are affected

According to data from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, internet penetration in Nepal is over 90%.

Among social media users in the country, a whopping 87% use Facebook. This is followed by X at 6% and YouTube at 5%, according to web analytics firm Statcounter.

The platforms affected by the government's decision include Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WeChat, Reddit, Snapchat, YouTube, and X.

Government gave platforms enough time to register

The government's decision comes after an August 25 directive that gave foreign social media companies a week to register their operations in Nepal and appoint a local representative.

Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung said the government had given platforms enough time to register in Nepal and made repeated requests, including to Meta, but they did not comply.