KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has instructed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to direct Internet service providers (ISPs) to block 26 social media platforms operating in Nepal without official registration, including Facebook.
NTA Executive Director Min Prasad Aryal confirmed that ISPs have already received instructions to implement the ban. The decision follows the government’s directive that all social media platforms must complete registration under the Social Media Use Directive, within the timeframe set by the cabinet.
The ministry had previously issued a public notice inviting social media companies to register and designate local contact points, complaint-handling officers, and monitoring personnel. Platforms that fail to comply with the registration requirement are now being deactivated in Nepal, while those that complete the process will be allowed to resume operations.
Currently, only Viber, TikTok, WeTalk, and Nimbuzz have completed registration and are allowed to operate. Telegram and Global Diary are still in the process. Major platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), and WhatsApp have not yet registered and are subject to the ban.
The government has said registration is crucial to monitor content, ensure compliance with national regulations, and hold platform operators accountable for any violations.
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