HEADLINE: Digital Crackdown in the Himalayas: Nepal Abruptly Blocks 16 Major Social Media Platforms
SUBHEADLINE: Government Cites “Social Disruption” and New Law, Raising Alarms Over Digital Freedom and Tourist Communication.
KATHMANDU, NEPAL — 05 Sep 2025
In a sweeping move that has stunned citizens and observers alike, the Government of Nepal has ordered internet service providers to block access to 16 major social media platforms, including global giants like TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
The directive, issued by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), came into effect immediately on Monday, rendering the apps and websites inaccessible for millions of users across the country. The decision is reportedly a direct enforcement of the controversial “Directives on the Operation of Social Networking 2023,” which requires such platforms to register with the state.
The Official Reasoning: Law, Order, and “Social Disruption”
Authorities have justified the drastic measure by pointing to a rise in cybercrime and the platforms’ alleged role in fostering social discord.
“In recent days, the misuse of social media has spread harmful content, disturbing social harmony and damaging our social fabric,” stated Mr. Purushottam Khanal, the Chairperson of the NTA, in a press briefing. “These platforms have not registered under our new law, which is mandatory for operations that impact our national security and civic peace.”
The new law mandates that social media companies open liaison offices in Nepal, pay registration fees, and adhere to strict content moderation rules dictated by the government. Critics, however, see it as a tool for censorship.
The Blacklist: A Who’s Who of Social Media
The banned platforms represent the core of online communication for Nepalis:
· TikTok
· Facebook
· X (Twitter)
· Instagram
· WhatsApp
· Telegram
· Snapchat
· Line
· Viber
· Discord
· Threads
· LinkedIn
· Reddit
· Medium
· Twitch
· YouTube (Note: Reports suggest some ISPs have not fully blocked YouTube yet)
Backlash and Immediate Fallout
The move has been met with swift and fierce criticism from digital rights groups, the opposition, and the general public.
“The government is not regulating social media; it is strangling it,” said Karan Singh, a digital rights activist in Kathmandu. “This is a blatant attack on freedom of expression and the right to information under the guise of regulation. It silences dissent and cuts off a vital source of news for many.”
The ban also poses a significant practical problem for the nation’s crucial tourism industry. Trekking agencies, hotels, and tour guides heavily rely on these platforms for marketing and, most importantly, for communicating with international clients.
“How are we supposed to coordinate with tourists who are already in the country or about to arrive?” asked Binod Gurung, a tour operator in Pokhara. “This is a disaster for business and for Nepal’s image as a welcoming destination.”
A Global Pattern?
Digital freedom watchdogs are drawing parallels to similar actions in other countries. The ban on TikTok, in particular, echoes restrictions placed by India and scrutiny from Western nations over data security and ties to the Chinese government.
The Nepali government’s move appears to be one of the most comprehensive social media crackdowns in recent years, targeting nearly the entire ecosystem at once.
What’s Next?
As Nepalis turn to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to circumvent the blocks, the digital cat-and-mouse game begins. The government has yet to comment on how it will enforce the registration process or if it will pursue penalties against VPN users.