Popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube banned by THIS country, not North Korea, Iran, or Venezuela, it is…

Rights groups have called it an attempt by the government to curb freedom of expression.

New Delhi: Social Media platforms are not only hugely popular but also an inseparable part of the daily life of millions of people. However, the government of Nepal, on Thursday, September 4, said that it is blocking most social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube. The Nepalese government says that the companies running these platforms have not complied with regulations that required them to register with the government.

Platforms blocked with immediate effect

Prithvi Subba Gurung, Nepal’s Minister for Communication and Information, said about two dozen social network platforms that are widely used in Nepal were repeatedly given notices to come forward and register their companies officially in the country, adding that the platforms would be blocked immediately.

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority was instructed to disable unregistered social sites. However, TikTok, Viber and three other social media platforms would be allowed to operate in Nepal because they have registered with the government.

The Nepal government brought a bill in parliament

The Nepal government has been asking the companies to appoint a liaison office or point in the country, for which it has brought a bill in parliament that aims to ensure that social platforms are properly managed, responsible and accountable.

The bill, which has not yet been fully debated in parliament till September 4, has been widely criticised as a tool for censorship and punishing opponents who voice their protests online. Rights groups have called it an attempt by the government to curb freedom of expression and violate citizens’ fundamental rights.

Necessary to monitor social media: Government

Officials have said it was necessary to bring laws to monitor social media and ensure that both the users and operators were responsible and accountable for what they share and what is being published or said on these platforms.

26 social media sites, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Botim, have been banned. TikTok may run as it’s officially registered in Nepal in November 2024 after fulfilling regulatory requirements for registration. Earlier, TikTok was banned in August 2024 and Telegram was banned in July 2025 due to its alleged use for online fraud and money laundering.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have been banned.
• Social Media platforms are not only hugely popular but also an inseparable part of the daily life of millions of people.
• The government says that the companies running these platforms have not complied with regulations.
• However, TikTok, Viber and three other social media platforms would be allowed to operate.

The bill, which has not yet been fully debated in parliament till September 4, has been widely criticised as a tool for censorship and punishing opponents who voice their protests online. Rights groups have called it an attempt by the government to curb freedom of expression and violate citizens’ fundamental rights.