Nepal blocks social media for failing to register with government

Nepal ordered internet service providers on Thursday to block access to major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube after the companies failed to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology by a government deadline, officials said.

Communications and IT Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung told reporters the government repeatedly urged roughly two dozen widely used platforms to establish a local presence and register, including appointing a complaint-handling officer, but they did not comply. The ministry directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to restrict access to unregistered services, with ministry spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur saying platforms that complete registration will be reopened the same day. The ministry set a seven-day deadline beginning August 28. Officials said about 26 platforms are affected; TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz and Popo Live have registered, while Telegram and Global Diary have applied and are awaiting approval.

The move follows a 2023 directive governing social networks and a recent Supreme Court decision that upheld the government’s authority to require local registration to curb...