Kathmandu, Nepal – In a significant move, the government of Nepal has blocked access to 26 major social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, effective from early September 2025. The decision has sparked widespread protests across the nation, led by the country’s youth.
The ban was enforced after these platforms failed to comply with a government directive to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) within a seven-day deadline. This registration is mandated under the “Directive for Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080,” which requires platforms to establish a local office or appoint a contact person in Nepal and designate a grievance officer.
The government’s action follows a directive from Nepal’s Supreme Court to ensure that all social media platforms operating in the country are formally registered to regulate content and curb cybercrime. Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, stated that the ban is conditional and will be lifted for each platform as soon as they complete the required registration process.
Which Platforms are Affected?
The nationwide ban impacts a total of 26 platforms. The most prominent among them are:
- Messenger
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
- Snapchat
- Signal
Platforms such as TikTok and Viber, which have complied with the registration requirements, remain operational in the country.
Public Outcry and Protests
The sweeping ban has been met with fierce opposition from the public, leading to large-scale protests in Kathmandu and other major cities. Dubbed a “Gen Z revolution” by local media, the demonstrations have seen thousands of young Nepalis take to the streets, citing the move as an infringement on their freedom of expression and a major disruption to communication, online businesses, and the flow of information. The protests have led to clashes with police and a tense situation in the capital.
Critics and digital rights organizations have condemned the ban as a form of censorship, arguing that it cuts off vital communication links for millions of Nepalis, including those with family members working abroad. The government, however, maintains that the measure is a necessary step towards creating a more accountable and lawful digital environment.
