In a major development, Nepal’s government on September 4, 2025, banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

The move follows a top court directive that all social media platforms, domestic or foreign, must register with a competent authority to operate legally. Platforms that fail to register will remain inactive until compliance.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology instructed the Nepal Telecommunication Authority to enforce this ban. Millions of users in Nepal now face restrictions on apps they rely on for communication, news, and entertainment.

Critics warn the ban could be used to curb dissent and control online speech, raising concerns about freedom of expression.

Government officials argue that the step is necessary to ensure regulatory compliance and accountability of digital platforms.

As the situation unfolds, users and tech companies are watching closely to see if registration requirements will be relaxed or enforced strictly, and how this will affect digital communication in Nepal.