Nepal imposed a big ban on social media: Facebook, YouTube and X closed

Today, a big decision taken by the Government of Nepal, on 4 September 2025, this decision is being discussed both in the country and abroad. Under this decision, the Government of Nepal has imposed an immediate ban on a total of 26 social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, X and Instagram. This is a ban which is not just a normal government order but a decision that has had a very deep impact on Nepal’s politics, society, social media and international image.

The Nepal government says that this decision has been taken keeping in mind the order of the Supreme Court and national security and on the other hand, the general public of Nepal or the common citizens there, the media people there, social media organizations are considering it a direct attack on freedom of expression. This controversy is no longer limited to Nepal but this controversy has reached the international platform by going out of the borders of Nepal. Where it is being linked to the debate on democracy and censorship.

Background

The Government of Nepal has seen the Internet in the last few years in Nepal, and the Internet is being used the most in digital technology, social media, and the use of social media is increasing very rapidly. Internet became cheaper, smartphones became common and social media platforms became an important part of people’s lives. People started using social media in almost every field, from staying connected with friends and family, education, business, politics and entertainment.

With this speed, many problems also emerged. The spread of fake news, hate messages, communal disputes and cyber crime started increasing. Pressure increased on the government to control these platforms so that peace and law and order is maintained in the country. Against this background, in 2023, the Government of Nepal implemented a regulation called “Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks”. Under this rule, it was made mandatory for all social media companies to register to work in Nepal.

Supreme Court order

This decision of Nepal is not a small step but it was also an administrative decision and the judiciary also played a role in it. The Supreme Court clearly stated that no social media platform can operate in the country without registration. The court believed that when these companies have access to the private data and views of millions of people of Nepal, they should be accountable to the government.

The court asked the government to give notice to the companies for registration and if they do not comply by the stipulated time limit, then their operations should be banned. To implement this order, the government had given the companies 7 days from 28 August 2025.

Which platforms were banned?

Main platforms:

Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Kora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, MeWe, VK, Line, IMO, Jalo, Sol, Hamro Patro etc.

Government’s vision and objective

The government says that this step is an attempt to prevent harmful content and disruptions on social media such as misinformation, cybercrime, fake accounts and disruption of social harmony.

At the same time, not only registration, but a new bill is being put forward in Parliament to ensure responsibility, accountability and management of digital platforms. However, this bill is also facing criticism.

Government’s move

Even after the stipulated deadline, companies like Facebook, YouTube, X, Instagram, WhatsApp did not register. The government wrote letters to these companies several times, made public announcements but there was no result. After this, the government, following the order of the Supreme Court, decided to ban 26 platforms with immediate effect.

Impact on the public

In a small country like Nepal, social media is not only a means of entertainment but also the main means of communication. Millions of expatriate Nepalis who work abroad stay connected with their families through WhatsApp and Facebook. The sudden ban on these platforms has had a profound impact on family and social life.

It has also had a negative impact on the business world. Small businesses and startups relied on Facebook ads and Instagram marketing. The livelihood of content creators who earn income from YouTube has come under threat. YouTube and other educational channels were important sources for students and researchers, which are now closed for them.

Criticism and protest

The Nepal Journalist Federation and human rights organizations have strongly criticized this decision. They say that the government has attacked freedom of expression. By banning social media, the government wants to suppress the voice of the citizens.

Government’s stand

The government says that this step has been taken not for any political purpose but in public interest. The government argues that rumors and fake news spread so fast on social media that they endanger social harmony and national security.

The government also says that the condition of registration is not an unusual demand. When a company does business in Nepal, it has to follow the law. If small companies can get registered, then why are big companies facing problems in this.

International reaction

This decision of Nepal has attracted the attention of the international community. The media of Western countries has called it a threat to democratic values. At the same time, some countries have also praised this decision of Nepal and said that it is necessary to make social media companies accountable.

Human rights organizations have expressed concern that if this decision remains in place for a long time, democracy in Nepal may weaken. At the same time, technical experts believe that this will increase the use of VPN and put an additional burden on internet service providers.

Future prospects

The Nepal government has indicated that the ban can be lifted if the companies register. The question is whether big companies like Facebook, YouTube and X will change their rules for a small country like Nepal. If not, this ban may continue for a long time and this will further deepen the digital divide in Nepal.

On the other hand, it is also possible that some kind of dialogue takes place between the government and the companies and a way out is found on the basis of agreement. If this happens, Nepal will set an example of how even small countries can make big technology companies accountable.