Nepal has imposed a ban on all the popular social media platform. Nepal has ordered the internet service providers to block access to all 26 major social media and communication platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Reddit, WhatsApp and Snapchat. The government took this decision after all the companies failed to register with the government within a seven-day deadline. The move of banning the social media platforms comes after the Supreme Court directive in a contempt of court case, which instructed the government to ensure all domestic and foreign-origin online platforms register with authorities before operating in the country and to monitor unwanted content.“The Honourable Supreme Court, in a contempt of court case (Case No. 080-8-0012), has issued a directive order in the name of the Government of Nepal to mandatorily list domestic or foreign-origin online and social media platforms with the relevant authorities before operation and to evaluate and monitor unwanted content. In accordance with the decision of the Government of Nepal (Council of Ministers) dated 2082.05.09, for the implementation of the said order, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has published a public notice on 2082.05.12, giving a deadline of seven (7) days to list social media platforms as per the ‘Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080’. All stakeholders are hereby informed that the Nepal Telecommunication Authority has been directed to deactivate social media platforms within Nepal that have not contacted the Ministry for listing within the specified time limit and to reactivate them from the same moment if they are listed,” a notice issued by the ministry reads.
Poll
Do you support the ban on social media platforms in Nepal for not registering with the government?
The legal trigger
The Supreme Court ruling consisted to multiple petitions which were filed since 2020. The petitions filed seemed restrictions on unlicensed platforms broadcasting ads and content in Nepal. The government’s Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080 requires platforms to — register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, appoint a local contact person and compliance officer and also setup mechanisms to handle local complaints.
What’s blocked and what’s not
– Blocked: Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, YouTube, X, Reddit, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Rumble, Line, Imo, Jalo, Sol, Hamro Patro, Mi Video, Mi Vike3– Still Operational: TikTok, Viber, Wetalk, Nimbuzz (registered), Telegram and Global Diary (in process)
Government’s stand vs. critics’ concerns
Nepal’s communications minister Prithvi Subba Gurung mentioned that the government has made repeated requests to social media platform to register with the government. But all the requests were ignored. Gurung also mentioned that once the companies with complete the registration process their services will be restored. However, a certain group has also opposed the decision of the government. The rights groups has said that this decision is a threat to freedom of expression and press freedom. The Committee to Protect Journalists and Access Now likened the order to overbroad censorship, urging transparency and restoration of access.Meanwhile, a proposed social media bill — which could impose fines and jail terms for content deemed against “national interest” — is under debate in parliament, drawing further criticism from civil society groups.
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