Nepal Government ban Social Media including Facebook YouTube

The Government of Nepal has announced a ban on 26 social media platforms, including popular services such as Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTube. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology made the decision following directives from the Supreme Court and earlier resolutions of the Council of Ministers.

According to officials, a notice has already been sent to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority instructing it to enforce the ban immediately. The ministry’s meeting on Thursday concluded that platforms operating without registration in Nepal must be blocked in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order.

Authorities have stated that the platforms could be restored gradually if they begin the process of registering within Nepal.

This development comes after the Supreme Court directed the government to regulate unregistered social media platforms, Over-the-Top (OTT) applications, and internet browsers carrying advertisements. The Court also instructed the creation of specific laws to ensure proper regulation.

A joint bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shanti Singh Thapa had issued the order, emphasizing that foreign digital broadcasters must obtain licenses before transmitting content in Nepal. Current broadcasting rules require foreign broadcasters or digital content producers to secure official approval if they wish to distribute their content in Nepal.

The writ petition leading to this decision had named the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the Advertising Board, and the Nepal Telecommunications Authority as respondents.