Nepal Blocks Facebook, YouTube and Other Platforms Over Registration Dispute

Kathmandu, Sept 2025 – Millions of Nepalis were left frustrated on Friday as access to several major social media platforms, including Facebook, was cut off following a government order to block unregistered services.

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology directed Nepal’s telecommunication authority to restrict access to 26 platforms that have not registered locally. The list includes Facebook, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn, among others.

“After the directive yesterday we stopped the URLs, but a complete shutdown will take time,” said Sudhir Parajuli, president of the Internet Service Providers Association of Nepal. “We are still deciding what methods to employ.”

Public Backlash

The move immediately sparked anger among users who rely on social media for business, communication, and information.

“I feel really bad about the government’s decision,” said Jenisha Joshi, 25, who sells jewellery and accessories online. “My business depends on Facebook. It also helps us stay in touch with family members abroad, so it should not be banned.”

Social platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have millions of active users in Nepal, where they function as key spaces for small businesses, news distribution, and community interaction.

Legal Basis for the Ban

The government’s decision follows a 2023 directive requiring all social media companies to register in Nepal, designate a local grievance officer, and establish a compliance framework. The cabinet last week gave companies seven days to comply.

Officials said the move also stems from a Supreme Court order issued last September that called for tighter regulation of digital platforms operating in the country without local accountability.

Communications ministry spokesman Gajendra Kumar Thakur said some companies had already made inquiries following the shutdown.

Concerns Over Free Speech and Press Freedom

Criticism has poured in from political leaders and rights groups. Lawmaker Sumana Shrestha of the opposition Rastriya Swatantra Party accused the government of attempting to curb free speech. “It does not care how this will impact the public,” she said.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also warned against the measure. Regional director Beh Lih Yi called the shutdown “a dangerous precedent for press freedom” and urged authorities to reverse the order.

Previous Restrictions

Nepal has a history of restricting online platforms. In July 2024, access to Telegram was blocked amid concerns over online fraud and money laundering. A nine-month ban on TikTok was lifted in August last year after the platform’s South Asia division agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.

Meanwhile, Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau has cautioned citizens against using VPNs to bypass restrictions, citing risks to personal data and security.

As the shutdown continues, both businesses and ordinary users remain in limbo, waiting to see whether major tech companies will meet the government’s registration requirements — or whether Nepal will endure a prolonged digital blackout.