KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 4

The Government of Nepal has ordered the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) to block social media platforms operating in the country without formal registration. The directive follows the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) setting a seven-day deadline for both foreign and domestic platforms to register under the Social Media Usage Regulation, 2080, which expired Thursday at midnight.

According to MoCIT, platforms that have failed to comply will be deactivated within Nepal, while registered platforms will continue operations. The move follows a Supreme Court directive requiring the government to monitor and regulate online platforms to prevent the dissemination of unwanted content.

So far, five platforms-including TikTok, Viber, Nimbuzz, WeTalk, and Poppo Live-have completed registration. Telegram and GlobalLink are still in the registration process. Authorities emphasized that any platform failing to register will face immediate suspension, while those completing registration will be reactivated without delay.

Officials said the regulation aims to ensure accountability, improve monitoring of online content, and curb misuse of social media, while allowing users access to verified and secure platforms.

The ministry had first issued a public notice on 12 Bhadra 2082 (August 28, 2025) urging major social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn to register. Several platforms had yet to submit formal applications by the deadline, prompting the government's latest directive.