If TikTok and Viber Can register, Why Can’t Meta and YouTube?
KATHMANDU, September 5 — In the wake of the government’s recent directive requiring social media platforms to register under Nepali law, a critical question emerges: if platforms like TikTok and Viber can successfully complete this process, why are tech giants like Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) and YouTube holding out?
The answer lies not in feasibility, but in willingness—and the Nepali government is making it clear that compliance is non-negotiable for any platform operating within its digital borders.
Proof of Concept: TikTok and Viber Lead the Way
Contrary to the narrative that Nepal’s registration demand is unprecedented or overly burdensome, several major platforms have already adhered to the requirement. Both TikTok and Viber are officially registered with the Department of Information Technology under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
Their successful registration demonstrates that the process is clear, achievable, and designed to integrate international platforms into Nepal’s legal framework seamlessly. These companies have shown respect for national laws and a commitment to the Nepali user base by taking this fundamental step toward accountability.
“Registration is the baseline of corporate responsibility in a foreign market,” says a government official involved in the process. “It establishes a legal identity within the country, creating a direct channel for communication, compliance, and accountability. TikTok and Viber understood this. Their cooperation is appreciated and sets a standard others must follow.”
Why Registration is Non-Negotiable: Sovereignty, Security, and Law
The government’s stance is rooted in a principle recognized worldwide: digital platforms operating within a nation’s territory must be subject to its laws.
- Upholding National Law: The requirement for registration is mandated under Nepal’s Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 (2008). This is not a new or arbitrary rule but a long-standing law designed to govern digital activities. Compliance is a legal obligation, not a choice.
- Ensuring User Safety and Security: An unregistered platform operates as a ghost entity. There is no local legal contact for authorities to approach in cases of cybercrime, hate speech, data privacy breaches, or viral misinformation. This creates a dangerous accountability gap where citizens have no recourse. Registration closes this gap.
- Creating a Level Playing Field: It is a matter of fairness. If local Nepali businesses and already-registered international platforms must follow the rules, giants like Meta and Google (YouTube’s parent company) cannot be granted special exemption. This ensures a fair and regulated digital economy.
The Stubborn Holdouts: Meta and YouTube
The refusal of Meta and YouTube to register is seen by officials not as a logistical problem, but a refusal to submit to Nepali jurisdiction.
These companies have complied with similar laws in other markets. For instance:
- Meta has appointed local representatives in Turkey and complies with data localization laws in several countries.
- Google (YouTube’s parent company) has done the same in numerous jurisdictions, adapting its operations to comply with local regulations.
Their reluctance in Nepal, therefore, raises questions about a potential double standard and a lack of commitment to the Nepali market beyond profit extraction.
“This is about respect,” argues political analyst Shristi Khadka. “By refusing to register, these companies are essentially stating that the laws of Nepal do not apply to them. The government’s action is a firm assertion that they do.”
The Path Forward: Compliance, Not Conflict
The government has consistently stated that the access restrictions are a temporary measure intended to encourage compliance, not a permanent ban.
The solution is simple and has already been demonstrated: Register, appoint a legal representative, and agree to operate within the framework of Nepali law.
Platforms like TikTok and Viber have already blazed this trail. Their users continue to enjoy uninterrupted access, secure in the knowledge that there is a local entity accountable to Nepali authorities should any issue arise.
The ball is now in the court of Meta and YouTube. Their continued resistance only prolongs the disruption for millions of Nepali users. The precedent for cooperation exists. The legal pathway is clear. The only missing ingredient is their willingness to comply.
