Nepal Bans Facebook, Instagram, and X Amid Registration Crisis

Nepal’s government has imposed a ban on major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, due to their failure to register with the Ministry of Information and Technology. The ban took effect at midnight on Thursday, following a deadline set on August 28, 2023. The ministry required these platforms to complete registration within seven days, which culminated on September 6, 2023, without compliance from the major companies involved.

The Ministry of Information and Technology has now prohibited 26 different social media platforms from operating in Nepal. According to officials, the ban will be enforced nationwide, and letters have begun to be issued to the affected companies. This action follows warnings from the government about potential suspensions for platforms that do not adhere to national regulations.

While platforms such as TikTok, Vtalk, Viber, and Nibanj have successfully registered with the ministry, larger entities like Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram), Alphabet (YouTube), X, Reddit, and LinkedIn have not submitted applications. As stated by Nepali officials, services may resume once these platforms complete the registration process and comply with local laws.

Supreme Court Mandate and Government Response

The ban stems from a directive issued by the Supreme Court of Nepal. The court mandated that all online and social media platforms, whether domestic or foreign, must register with relevant authorities before they can operate. This ruling was part of a contempt of court case, emphasizing the need for monitoring and evaluating unwanted content online.

The ministry’s notice indicated that the Nepal Telecommunication Authority has been tasked with deactivating any platforms that fail to register by the specified deadline. As a result, the shutdown commenced on Thursday at midnight, and spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur confirmed that any platform completing the registration would be reinstated on the same day.

Escalating Protests and Military Mobilization

The ban has led to heightened tensions in Nepal, particularly in the New Baneshwor area, where protests have erupted against both government corruption and the social media restrictions. In response to escalating unrest, the Nepali Army has been deployed following the imposition of a curfew. Authorities took this step after demonstrators breached restricted areas, including the Federal Parliament premises.

Security forces initially attempted to disperse crowds using tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. However, demonstrators continued to clash with police, prompting the need for a more robust military presence to restore order.

This situation highlights the growing frustration among citizens, particularly younger generations, regarding government policies and the perceived infringement on digital freedoms. The ongoing protests signify a critical moment for civil liberties in Nepal as the government navigates the challenges of regulating social media in the digital age.