Nepal Blocks Major Social Media Platforms Over Regulatory Noncompliance
Nepal has restricted access to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and more than a dozen other widely used social media platforms, citing their failure to adhere to national regulations.
The restriction, which began at midnight on Thursday, has faced backlash from human rights and press freedom organizations. Critics argue that the move by the government, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, limits free expression and negatively impacts businesses.
Authorities stated that 26 platforms—including X, Reddit, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Signal—were barred after they did not register under Nepal’s recently enacted social media laws. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology said companies were given seven days to comply following a court directive, but none met the deadline. The ministry then ordered internet service providers to block the platforms.
Only TikTok and a few others followed the regulations and remained accessible.
The widespread restrictions caused significant disruption over the weekend, particularly affecting businesses and the country’s tourism sector, which depends on social media for promotion and customer engagement. Many Nepalese citizens also rely on these platforms to stay in touch with family members working abroad.
On Sunday, journalists protested in Kathmandu, carrying signs with messages such as “no shutdown of social networks, no silencing of voices,” and “freedom of expression is our right.” Demonstrators also accused the government of undermining democracy.
The Committee to Protect Journalists, an international organization, warned that the ban sets a troubling standard for press freedom.
In response, Prime Minister Oli defended the decision, stating that national sovereignty takes precedence over individual concerns. “The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a few. Ignoring laws, the constitution, and national dignity is unacceptable,” he said during a public address.
While Nepal has generally upheld free speech, critics point to increasing government control under Oli’s leadership. Last year, TikTok faced a nine-month suspension over concerns about harmful content before being reinstated upon agreeing to register.
Proposed laws currently under discussion in Nepal’s parliament could further tighten regulations, imposing fines or jail time for content deemed against the “national interest” and granting authorities the power to close media outlets or revoke journalists’ credentials.
Read next
Over 1 million people gather in Madrid for outdoor mass with Pope Leo
Over one million people gathered in Madrid for an open-air mass led by Pope Leo. During the service, the American pontiff highlighted the contradiction between Christian principles and far-right ideology, stating, “No one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother.”
Crowds began forming hours before dawn on Sunday
Xi Jinping visits Pyongyang to strengthen China-North Korea relations
Xi Jinping has begun a two-day visit to North Korea, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years as he seeks to strengthen relations with the ally.
Footage from the Xinhua state news agency showed the Chinese leader and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arriving at Sunan international
Denmark's mullet championship celebrates the 'beautifully ugly' and divisive hairstyle
Copenhagen recently hosted the 2026 Mullet Championship, where more than 1,000 spectators gathered on an outdoor stage to celebrate the enduring hairstyle characterized by short hair in the front and length in the back.
Twelve participants competed in the event, which was organized by 37-year-old electrician Steffen Stiw Weber.