Nepal bans big social media apps to tighten oversight of large tech firms

(MENAFN) Nepal has blocked a wide range of social media services, including Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Reddit, after the platforms failed to meet national registration requirements. The move reflects a growing global trend of governments tightening oversight of large tech companies.

The ban stems from 2023 directives by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, which require all networks to register before operating in the country. The Supreme Court recently upheld the measure, instructing the government to ensure that both domestic and foreign platforms are officially listed so their content can be monitored.

Officials say the regulations aim to curb fake accounts, hate speech, and cybercrime in a nation where about 90% of the population uses the internet. Platforms were given a one-week window from August 28 to submit applications, but major companies—including Meta, Alphabet, X, Reddit, and LinkedIn—did not comply by the deadline. As a result, 26 services have now been blocked.

Local reports indicate that TikTok, Viber, and several smaller apps completed registration, while Telegram and Global Diary remain under review.

“Except for the five listed platforms and two in the process, all others will be deactivated inside Nepal,” said ministry spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur, adding that any platform completing registration would be restored the same day.

The decision has sparked widespread backlash online, with users calling the move regressive and warning that it could cut millions off from essential digital services.

Globally, governments from the U.S. and EU to Brazil and Australia are increasing regulation of social media over concerns about misinformation, data misuse, and security threats. Recently, Russia restricted voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their use in scams, extortion, and recruitment for sabotage and terrorist activities.

MENAFN09092025000045017281ID1110035536