Story perspectives

Nepal Blocks 26 Social Media Sites, Sparks Outcry

9/6/2025

Summary

Story summary

Nepal's government blocked 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, for failing to register by the September 4 deadline.
The ban, effective September 5, 2025, follows a Supreme Court order for local registration to ensure accountability.
Only TikTok and Viber remain operational after registering; WhatsApp and Telegram are under review.
Critics claim the ban threatens free expression and harms small businesses reliant on social media.
Public outcry has led many users to use VPNs to bypass the restrictions.

History

Historical Context

The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), enacted in 2018, set a global benchmark for data privacy, influencing countries like Nepal to consider similar regulations. The recent bans on platforms like Facebook and Instagram reflect a trend of governments tightening control over digital spaces, which can hinder innovation and economic growth, particularly for small businesses reliant on these platforms for outreach.

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Story summary

Nepal's government blocked 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, for failing to register by the September 4 deadline.
The ban, effective September 5, 2025, follows a Supreme Court order for local registration to ensure accountability.
Only TikTok and Viber remain operational after registering; WhatsApp and Telegram are under review.
Critics claim the ban threatens free expression and harms small businesses reliant on social media.
Public outcry has led many users to use VPNs to bypass the restrictions.

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