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Nepal Blocks Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Other Unregistered Social Media Platforms
Nepal Blocks Dozens of Unregistered Social Media Platforms Including YouTube, Facebook, X, and WhatsApp The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s decision to gradually disable unlisted social media networks began to be implemented on Thursday night through mobile internet service providers. Some users reported that apps such as Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and YouTube stopped working overnight. Meanwhile, some internet service users said they did not face any issues until Friday morning. Last week, the ministry gave social media platforms a one-week deadline to get listed, calling it the “final notice.” The deadline expired Wednesday night. Minister for Communications, Prithvi Subba Gurung, stated that in a meeting of ministry officials, it was decided to ban unregistered social media platforms in Nepal. Some people criticized the government for “going in the wrong direction,” saying that freedom of expression was being “suppressed,” while others defended the decision, arguing that social media companies must comply with Nepal’s laws. General Secretary of the ruling Nepali Congress and former minister, Gagan Thapa, wrote on Facebook Thursday, “The government’s decision regarding social media is wrong. The government is going in the wrong direction and should review it.” “Shouldn’t you register? Shouldn’t you pay taxes? Shouldn’t you comply with court orders?” wrote ruling UML party MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee, Surya Thapa, in a Facebook post Friday morning. What Does the Government Say? After a half-day meeting, Minister Gurung said the ministry would now proceed with implementing cabinet decisions and the Supreme Court’s order. The minister said, “The government had given these platforms a seven-day deadline to register. If they still don’t, they won’t be allowed to operate.” After the expiry of the deadline, the ministry on Thursday issued a short notice stating that instructions had now been issued to the Telecommunications Authority in this regard. “…All stakeholders are hereby informed that the Nepal Telecommunications Authority has been instructed to disable within Nepal those social media platforms which did not contact the ministry for listing within the deadline, and to keep them deactivated until further notice.” Spokesperson of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Min Prasad Aryal, said the ministry’s letter had been received and directives were sent to internet service providers to disable unlisted social media networks. The minister said that during this period, no one, including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, or YouTube, had applied for registration. Despite repeated requests and even the government’s so-called “final” deadline, a long meeting was held Thursday at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to discuss whether platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, and YouTube should be allowed to continue operating in Nepal. Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor Bishnu Rimal wrote in a Facebook post Thursday morning, “All unregistered social media and online platforms are likely to be disabled.” Public Interest Concerns According to ISPAN President Sudhir Parajuli, 70% of Nepal’s bandwidth consumption is through social media. Minister Gurung acknowledged that the issue cannot be ignored, as millions of Nepalis use social media daily and rely on it to connect with relatives abroad. He said, “It’s one thing to say people are interested, but it’s not that we don’t respect the government or constitution. We can’t just create stories like this.” The minister further said platforms have already monetized their services but are refusing to register, which is unacceptable. “We never said anything else. We just asked them to register. While registering, they must do three things: appoint a contact point, designate an officer to handle complaints, and assign another officer to monitor compliance with local laws.” What Do Internet Service Providers Say? Internet service providers said the government’s decision to disable social media platforms would create multiple complications. They pointed out that the government has the capacity to block certain websites if directed. Normally, users connect to the wider internet via their service provider. But VPNs create a direct internet connection between the user’s device and another computer system, allowing users to bypass government restrictions by masking their activity through another country. In the past, reports of large-scale VPN usage emerged after TikTok was banned in Nepal. When VPNs are used extensively, international traffic surges, which can disrupt or significantly degrade the quality of internet services. “Content that should normally come from local servers is instead being routed through international bandwidth. That’s why cross-border streaming capacity is heavily consumed, disrupting internet services,” Parajuli said. He added that his organization has suggested the government resolve the issue through dialogue. Opposition From Both Government and Opposition Leaders from both ruling and opposition parties have opposed the government’s decision to disable unlisted social media platforms. On his verified Facebook page, ruling Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa urged the government to review its decision, saying it was “going in the wrong direction.” Instead of blocking social media based on ministry guidelines, he argued that the pending social media bill, currently under discussion in the National Assembly, should be passed and implemented. The main opposition party, CPN-Maoist Centre spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota, said the government is trying to curb press freedom and freedom of expression under the pretext of regulating social media. He also demanded that the social media bill be passed and enforced quickly. Meanwhile, the Federation of Nepali Journalists also opposed the decision. In a statement issued by its General Secretary, Ram Prasad Dahal, the federation said, “We disagree with the government’s decision, as it appears to restrict press freedom and freedom of expression.” Does the Government’s Listing Require? Guidelines for regulating social media use were issued in Bikram Sambat 2080 BS, outlining the procedure for listing. According to them, companies headquartered either in Nepal or abroad must submit an application along with documents including: Articles of Association, registration certificate, updated tax clearance certificate, board of directors’ details, privacy policy, user data policy, information security policy, and a framework for grievance handling. It is said the listing process is simple, free, tax-exempt, and can be completed online. What Did the Supreme Court Order? The ministry had already instructed all social media platforms operating in Nepal but not yet registered to apply online with the required documents. Earlier, after three similar requests by the government, most platforms showed little interest in listing, except for a few. The ministry had warned that this was the “final” notice, and failure to comply would result in gradual deactivation. The ministry also stated that the latest decision was necessary for enforcement because the Supreme Court had recently ordered the government to make registration mandatory for all domestic and foreign online and social media platforms before allowing them to operate.
By Real contentabout a year ago in 01
Yealink MeetingBoard Pro: The Future of Smart Collaboration
Picture this: you walk into a meeting room, and everything just works. No wrestling with tangled cables, no pixelated video feeds, and no one left out, whether they’re sitting across the table or joining from halfway across the globe. Sounds like a fantasy, right? Not anymore. The Yealink MeetingBoard Pro is here to make that dream a reality. In a world where hybrid work has become the backbone of modern business, this device is redefining how teams connect, create, and collaborate. I’ve spent hours digging into its specs, exploring user reviews, and imagining how it fits into real-world scenarios—and let me tell you, this isn’t just a whiteboard. It’s a glimpse into the future of smart collaboration. In this article, we’ll unpack why the Yealink MeetingBoard Pro is a game-changer, diving deep into its features, benefits, and what it means for teams in 2025 and beyond. Buckle up—it’s a lot to cover!
By CEO A&S Developersabout a year ago in 01
Top 10 Free AI Art Generators in 2025: An Illustrator’s Perspective
As an illustrator who has worked across both traditional and digital mediums, I have always believed that art is about capturing what words alone cannot express. Over the years, I’ve drawn with pencils, painted with oils, experimented with Photoshop brushes — and now I find myself working side by side with artificial intelligence.
By CEO A&S Developersabout a year ago in 01
Architecting Tomorrow’s Enterprise: Raghavender Maddali’s Trailblazing Impact on AI-Powered Automation and Data-Driven Growth
In today’s hyper-connected digital era, enterprise transformation no longer hinges on technology alone. It thrives on intelligent design, agile execution, and visionary leadership. At the intersection of innovation and impact stands Raghavender Maddali, a distinguished expert in AI-driven data engineering and automation. With over ten years of industry-defining contributions, Maddali has emerged as a pivotal force in designing scalable, intelligent, and future-ready digital ecosystems.
By Oliver Jones Jr.about a year ago in 01
Content Creation Software: Revolutionizing Digital Media. AI-Generated.
Imagine a world where content creation is as easy as clicking a button. No more late nights, struggling to meet deadlines, or feeling overwhelmed by the endless demand for fresh, engaging material.
By Ethan Larkinsabout a year ago in 01
Top 7 AI Agent Development Companies in USA
Artificial Intelligence has grown from an emerging trend into a transformative force across industries. Among the technologies leading this change, AI Agents stand out as one of the most promising. Unlike traditional automation tools, AI agents are capable of autonomous decision-making, adaptive learning, and personalized problem-solving. Businesses are now adopting AI agents to streamline workflows, enhance customer experiences, improve operational efficiency, and create intelligent products.
By Dhaval Alagiyaabout a year ago in 01
When Networking Has a Price Tag: The LinkedIn Premium Dilemma in Pakistan.
In a hyper-connected world where career opportunities increasingly live online, LinkedIn Premium has become a powerful tool for professionals to stand out, connect, and grow. But for many in Pakistan, that little golden badge comes with a staggering price tag, $29 per month, or nearly 10,000 PKR. What seems like pocket change in Silicon Valley is an entire week’s worth of groceries for countless Pakistani professionals.
By Kamran Khanabout a year ago in 01
Helping Canadian Décor Stores Stand Out This Thanksgiving and All Year
Thanksgiving in Canada is more than just a long weekend in October—it’s the opening act of the holiday season. Families gather from Toronto to Vancouver around tables adorned with autumn leaves, pumpkins, and warm candles. For seasonal décor retailers, this time of year presents a golden opportunity to connect with customers and boost sales. But savvy Canadian décor shop owners know that the strategies used to shine on Thanksgiving can drive success all year round. In today’s digital-first market, a strong online presence and smart marketing tactics are just as important as beautiful merchandise on the shelves.
By Steve Oscarabout a year ago in 01
