Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Nepal Bans 26 Social Media Platforms, Sparks Protests

9/4/2025

48 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Nepal's government has banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, due to non-registration by the deadline.
Only five platforms, such as TikTok and Viber, have complied; others can regain access upon registration.
The ban, prompted by a Supreme Court directive, has led to protests over free speech concerns.
Users can use VPNs to bypass restrictions, but this carries risks; the government stresses accountability online.

History

Historical Context

In 2018, Nepal's government enacted the Information Technology Bill to regulate online content, requiring social media platforms to register. This law has led to tensions between government authority and free speech, reminiscent of past protests against censorship in countries like Turkey and China. The ongoing struggle highlights the need for clearer digital rights in Nepal's evolving political landscape.

1 of 2

Story summary

Nepal's government has banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, due to non-registration by the deadline.
Only five platforms, such as TikTok and Viber, have complied; others can regain access upon registration.
The ban, prompted by a Supreme Court directive, has led to protests over free speech concerns.
Users can use VPNs to bypass restrictions, but this carries risks; the government stresses accountability online.

1 / 2