On September 4, 2025, Nepal enforced a nationwide ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp and X, effective from midnight. The decision, rooted in the 2023 Social Media Management Directives, targets platforms that failed to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Platforms like TikTok and Viber, which complied with the registration requirements remain accessible.
The ban upheld by a recent Supreme Court ruling aims to regulate online content and enhance oversight of digital platforms. However, it has triggered widespread criticism for restricting freedom of expression and disrupting communication for millions, particularly Nepal’s diaspora relying on these platforms to stay connected. Critics including digital rights advocates argue the move undermines democratic values and sets a concerning precedent for internet governance.
The government has clarified that banned platforms can regain access by completing the registration process. Meanwhile, the decision has left businesses, content creators and everyday users scrambling to adapt with many turning to VPNs or registered platforms to stay online. As debates intensify, Nepal’s social media landscape faces an uncertain future, balancing regulation with the right to free speech.
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