Nepal Blocks Access to Unregistered Social Media Platforms

Nepal has moved to block access to several social media platforms, including Facebook, after they failed to complete a government-mandated registration process aimed at curbing misuse. The deadline for registration expired on Wednesday, and the restrictions came into effect the following day.

Authorities said the measure is intended to combat the spread of hate speech, misinformation, cybercrime, and activities that threaten social harmony, often carried out under fake identities. With nearly 90 percent of the country’s population online, officials stressed that regulating social media has become increasingly important.

Under the registration rules, each platform must appoint a local representative, designate a grievance officer, and name a responsible compliance official. The government had previously warned that failure to meet these requirements would result in services being suspended.

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has been tasked with enforcing the ban on unregistered platforms. While officials have not disclosed the full list of affected services, they confirmed that only those meeting the registration criteria will be allowed to operate in the country.