The government of Nepal has given a 30-day ultimatum to Facebook, Instagram, X, etc. (Formerly Twitter) to register. The move comes as the government aims to regulate social media networks operating in Nepal.
The government released a notice in which, it requested social networking sites to get registered in Nepal.
The notice states, “Social networks are hereby notified to register with this ministry (Communication Ministry) within 30 days by the Social Media Management Directive 2080, and to also arrange for a contact point within Nepal to hear complaints and an officer to monitor self-regulation compliance.”
In recent months, the government has stepped up efforts to bring many social network platforms and digital services under its regulation. Also, the government wants them to contribute to various causes and provide value for users/public in Nepal. For e.g., after the ban is lifted, TikTok has made several commitments in Nepal including promoting businesses while also playing a role in generating employment. So far, Rakuten Viber, TikTok, etc. have been registered in Nepal.
Broadly speaking, the government wants to bring foreign digital companies under taxation and regulation. Earlier, the ride-sharing platform inDrive was also registered in Nepal.
Government warns to ban Facebook, X, and Instagram if they are not registered in 30 days
In its notice, the government has warned that if Facebook, Instagram, X, and other platforms don’t come into contact and register, they can face a possible ban.
The government referenced Section 3 of Sub Section 7 in the Social Media Management Directive 2080 which allows the government to disable access to social networks that are not registered in the country.
Facebook is an extremely popular social media site used in Nepal with over 12 million users in Nepal while Insta and X are more popular among the youth. It’s interesting to see if the US-based platforms reach out to the government to register. We are also skeptical if the government will proceed to bar access to these social sites. Let’s see how it unfolds.
Also read: How to lock Facebook Profile in Nepal? Find steps [2025]