5 Countries Other Than Nepal Where Facebook, Twitter And Instagram Are Banned
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While Nepal recently made headlines for restricting social media platforms, it is not the only country to do so. Several nations around the world have banned or heavily restricted platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube for political, security, or cultural reasons. These restrictions remain in place, and in many cases, users rely on VPNs to bypass them.
1. China
China banned Facebook, Twitter, and Google back in 2009 following riots in the Xinjiang province. The move was aimed at curbing communication among independence activists and maintaining political control. To this day, access to Western social media remains blocked, with home-grown alternatives like WeChat, Weibo, and Baidu dominating the market.
2. North Korea
North Korea maintains one of the strictest internet policies in the world, allowing access only to a small, elite group of people. Ordinary citizens cannot use global social media, and attempting to do so without authorisation can lead to harsh punishment. Instead, the government operates a tightly controlled intranet to regulate all communication.
3. Russia
Since 2022, Russia has officially banned Facebook and Instagram, branding them as “extremist organisations.” Access to Twitter (X) has also been restricted. These moves are part of a larger effort by the Russian government to suppress digital dissent, limit foreign influence, and control the online narrative.
4. Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan has enforced a near-total blockade on Western social media since 2008. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Skype, and WeChat remain inaccessible. Instead, citizens are confined to a government-controlled intranet called “Turkmenet,” where online activity is heavily monitored.
5. Iran
Iran has long maintained one of the most restrictive digital environments, blocking access to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram, and YouTube. These restrictions are part of the country’s wider censorship policies. However, many Iranians continue to bypass the bans using VPNs, despite the risk of facing legal consequences.
Social media bans are often implemented as tools for governments to maintain political control, regulate information flow, or safeguard national security. While countries like China, Iran, and North Korea have enforced these restrictions for years, others such as Russia and Turkmenistan have followed similar paths. Despite these bans, millions of users still find ways to bypass restrictions through VPNs and proxy servers, highlighting the growing global demand for free access to information and online connectivity.
1. China
China banned Facebook, Twitter, and Google back in 2009 following riots in the Xinjiang province. The move was aimed at curbing communication among independence activists and maintaining political control. To this day, access to Western social media remains blocked, with home-grown alternatives like WeChat, Weibo, and Baidu dominating the market.
2. North Korea
North Korea maintains one of the strictest internet policies in the world, allowing access only to a small, elite group of people. Ordinary citizens cannot use global social media, and attempting to do so without authorisation can lead to harsh punishment. Instead, the government operates a tightly controlled intranet to regulate all communication.
3. Russia
Since 2022, Russia has officially banned Facebook and Instagram, branding them as “extremist organisations.” Access to Twitter (X) has also been restricted. These moves are part of a larger effort by the Russian government to suppress digital dissent, limit foreign influence, and control the online narrative.
4. Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan has enforced a near-total blockade on Western social media since 2008. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Skype, and WeChat remain inaccessible. Instead, citizens are confined to a government-controlled intranet called “Turkmenet,” where online activity is heavily monitored.
5. Iran
Iran has long maintained one of the most restrictive digital environments, blocking access to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram, and YouTube. These restrictions are part of the country’s wider censorship policies. However, many Iranians continue to bypass the bans using VPNs, despite the risk of facing legal consequences.
Social media bans are often implemented as tools for governments to maintain political control, regulate information flow, or safeguard national security. While countries like China, Iran, and North Korea have enforced these restrictions for years, others such as Russia and Turkmenistan have followed similar paths. Despite these bans, millions of users still find ways to bypass restrictions through VPNs and proxy servers, highlighting the growing global demand for free access to information and online connectivity.
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