The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has started blocking social media platforms, including Facebook, that have not registered in Nepal. The decision was finalized in a meeting led by Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung.
On August 25, 2025, the Cabinet had instructed all social media operating in Nepal to register within a week. Since no formal applications were submitted by the deadline of August 28, 2025, the ministry moved forward with restrictions.
According to Minister Gurung, only platforms that complete the registration process will be allowed to continue operating in Nepal. The responsibility of implementing the decision has been given to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority.
The government had earlier introduced the Social Media Directive 2023 to regulate online platforms, citing rising misuse of social media. The directive requires platforms to register within three months of operation, renew their license every three years, and allows the government to shut down any unregistered platforms.
Despite repeated calls, including an official notice on August 28 to Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, and others, officials confirmed that no platforms submitted applications on time.
