The Government of Nepal has announced a ban on several popular social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, after they failed to register officially in the country.

Nepal’s Minister for Communication and Information, Prithvi Subba Gurung, said that nearly two dozen social networking platforms were repeatedly told to come forward and register their companies.

“About two dozen social network platforms were repeatedly given notices to come forward and register their companies officially in the country. The platforms would be blocked immediately as they failed to register themselves,” Gurung said.

Not all platforms will be affected by the ban. According to Gurung, TikTok, Viber, and three other social media platforms have been allowed to continue operating since they have already registered with the government.

Why Nepal imposed the ban

The ban is linked to a new bill in parliament that aims to make social media platforms responsible and accountable. Under this bill, companies must register and set up a liaison office in Nepal.

Although the bill has not yet been debated in parliament, critics say it could be used as a tool for censorship.

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