Kathmandu: Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has decided to shut down Facebook and other social media platforms that have not formally registered with the government, effective immediately.
The decision was made during a meeting at the ministry on Wednesday, chaired by Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung.
The government had earlier issued the Social Media Operation Directive 2080 (2023/24), which requires all social media platforms to register in Nepal. Schedule 1 of the directive makes registration mandatory for operation in the country.
Officials said the decision to enforce registration ahead of the passage of a pending Social Media Bill in parliament was taken because several platforms continued to ignore the directive. The bill is intended to further regulate the use of social media in Nepal, but the ministry has chosen to strictly implement existing rules without delay.
Authorities noted that Facebook and other platforms had been given multiple extensions and reminders to comply with registration requirements. However, their failure to do so has prompted the government to move forward with deactivation.
“The government had repeatedly provided time for registration, but the platforms did not comply. Therefore, we have decided to deactivate unregistered social media from today,” the ministry’s statement said.
Ministry spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur confirmed that only platforms that have completed registration or formally applied for it will be allowed to operate.
“The decision was taken to implement cabinet directives. Platforms currently in operation but not registered, and those that have not applied for listing, will be deactivated. The Telecommunications Authority has been instructed to enforce the decision, though the process may take some time,” Thakur said.
According to the ministry, five platforms are already registered in Nepal, while two others (Telegram and Global Diary) have submitted applications for listing.
As a result, Viber, TikTok, Wetalk, Nimbuzz, and Popoline will continue to operate since they have already completed the registration process.
In contrast, Facebook, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger have not entered the registration process, putting them at risk of being deactivated nationwide.
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