Nepal Blocks Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X

Nepal Blocks Social Media Platforms Over Registration Dispute

The government of Nepal has instructed internet service providers to block access to prominent social media platforms. This includes Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, following the companies’ non-compliance with recently enacted local registration regulations.

Government Directive and Affected Platforms

On Thursday, Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology formally directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to restrict access to a total of 26 social media platforms. This action stemmed from a meeting held earlier that day among ministry officials.

The list of platforms impacted by this decision encompasses Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WeChat, Reddit, Snapchat, YouTube, and X, among others.

Internet Penetration and Social Media Usage

Nepal boasts an internet penetration rate exceeding 90%, as indicated by data from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. Statistics from web analytics firm Statcounter reveal that Facebook is the most utilized social media platform within the nation, with 87% of users.

Following Facebook, X accounts for 6% of social media users in Nepal, while YouTube holds a 5% share.

Registration Requirement and Criticism

The directive issued on August 25 mandated that foreign social media companies register their operations within Nepal and designate a local contact person within a seven-day timeframe.

This move has drawn sharp criticism from media advocacy groups and civil society organizations. The Committee to Protect Journalists, a New York-based nonprofit, stated the decision would “seriously hinder journalists’ work and people’s access to news and information.”

The Federation of Nepali Journalists also voiced its condemnation, asserting that the measure “undermines press freedom and citizens’ right to information.”

Supreme Court Ruling and Government Justification

Thursday’s decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling last month upholding the government’s local registration requirement. The court determined the requirement aimed to curtail the spread of misinformation.

However, the court did not explicitly order a ban on non-compliant platforms, instead instructing officials to “make appropriate legal arrangements immediately, within the framework of the law.”

Exemptions and Concerns over Censorship

Notably, TikTok and Viber, owned by Japan’s Rakuten Group, are not affected by the current order, as they have already fulfilled the registration requirements.

Raman Jit Singh Chima, Asia Pacific Policy director and Global Cybersecurity lead at Access Now, expressed deep concern. He likened Nepal’s approach to “the architecture of censorship seen in the People’s Republic of China’s Great Firewall model of digital authoritarianism.”

Government Response and Platform Compliance

Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that the government provided ample time for platforms to register and made repeated requests, including to Meta, but these efforts were unsuccessful.

Meta, Google, and Snap have not yet issued responses to requests for comment regarding the matter.

Restoration of Access and Future Actions

According to a public notice issued by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, access to the blocked platforms will be reinstated upon successful registration within the country.

Chima argues that Nepal should “publish all blocking orders, restore access, and shift to a legislative process that narrows vague prohibitions and builds in due process, transparency and meaningful consultation.”

Concerns over Government Powers and Pending Legislation

He further added that the current directive grants the government “sweeping powers to suspend services, order removals, and deputise local ‘grievance’ and ‘self-regulation’ officers inside companies,” potentially leading to over-blocking and pressure to remove lawful content.

Earlier this year, Nepal’s government faced public criticism regarding a proposed social media bill, which remains pending approval. This legislation includes provisions for imprisonment and fines for posts “deemed against national sovereignty or interest.”

The International Federation of Journalists has warned that the proposal “threatens to severely undermine press freedom and digital expression.”

Minister Gurung previously stated that the government had “no intention of curtailing freedom of expression” in response to initial criticism of the proposed legislation.

The bill also empowers the government to demand the removal of specific posts from social media platforms, with potential fines for non-compliance.

A spokesperson for Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding the blocking decision.