Nepal Blocks 26 Social Media Platforms for Non-Compliance With Court-Mandated Registration

The Nepal government has blocked 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, Reddit, LinkedIn, and Snapchat, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology as directed by the Supreme Court.

Platforms like TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, and Poppo Live remain accessible, having complied with the mandate.

Officials said the step was necessary to curb cybercrime, misinformation, hate speech, and fake IDs while ensuring accountability through local grievance redressal.

Rights groups and youth activists have criticised the move, warning it could stifle free expression and restrict citizens’ access to information.