The Government of Nepal is preparing to ban Telegram, one of the most widely used messaging apps in the country, citing concerns over online fraud, money laundering, and criminal networks. While I understand the intention to protect citizens from digital threats, I strongly believe banning Telegram is not the right direction — and it risks doing more harm than good.
Why banning Telegram is the wrong move
Telegram is used by millions of Nepalis — not just for chatting, but for education, business, news updates, activism, and even community support. Yes, there are scammers and illegal groups on the platform, but that’s also true for Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, and even Instagram.
Banning Telegram won’t solve the problem. It will only push these activities further underground or onto even less-regulated platforms. Meanwhile, ordinary users and businesses who rely on Telegram for legitimate communication will be unfairly punished.
What the government should do instead
Rather than blocking platforms, we need smarter and long-term solutions. Here’s what I believe Nepal should focus on:
- Improve digital literacy
Many scams work because people aren’t aware of how to stay safe online. Nationwide awareness campaigns — in schools, public media, and local communities — are essential. - Strengthen cybercrime enforcement
Nepal’s cyber units need better training, tools, and coordination. They should be able to track down criminal networks without taking away platforms from everyone. - Collaborate with platforms
Governments around the world work directly with Telegram, Meta, and others to report and remove illegal content. Nepal can do the same — banning is a lazy shortcut. - Ensure transparency
Any decision to ban a platform should follow legal processes and involve public discussion. Otherwise, it becomes a slippery slope toward censorship. - Protect digital rights
Freedom of expression and access to information are basic rights. Removing communication platforms sets a dangerous precedent — one that could easily be misused in the future.
What we as users should be careful about
I also believe we, the users, have a responsibility. Instead of waiting for bans, let’s be proactive in how we use social media. Some things to keep in mind:
- Don’t join random Telegram or Facebook groups that promise quick money or crypto giveaways.
- Never share sensitive information like OTPs, banking details, or citizenship numbers with anyone online.
- Always verify sources before believing or forwarding news.
- Help educate others — especially family members who may not be tech-savvy — about online safety.
- Report anything suspicious to both the platform and local authorities.
Banning Telegram isn’t going to protect Nepalis — it will just make our digital space more fragmented and unfree. If we really want to make the internet safer, we need education, enforcement, and open collaboration — not control.
Let’s not solve complex digital problems with outdated thinking. Let’s build a smarter, safer, and more open internet for everyone in Nepal.
