KATHMANDU: The government of Nepal has announced that it will block access to major social media platforms that fail to comply with the country’s digital registration laws.
Nepali official confirmed that platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn are among those facing potential bans after failing to adhere to the 2023 Nepali registration regulations.
While talking to media persons in Kathmandu, Nepal’s Minister for Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, said that the government had given multiple warnings and opportunities to the companies, but they repeatedly violated the rules.
He further said that the basic aims of the move are to strengthen digital content regulation and reinforce national sovereignty in the digital space.
Nepal’s stance follows a global trend where countries such as the United States, European Union, Brazil, and Australia have introduced stricter regulations on social media platforms. In China, an already rigorous censorship framework is in place.
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It remains unclear exactly when the bans will take effect, but the announcement has raised concerns about freedom of expression, digital access, and potential pushback from tech companies and civil rights groups.
