Digital rights activists condemn Nepal’s ban on 26 platforms including Facebook and YouTube

The Nepal government has suddenly banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), WhatsApp and Instagram. The decision, effective from 5 September 2025, has been denounced by civil society groups and digital rights activists as authoritarian and an infringement on fundamental rights.

According to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority shut down platforms that are not registered under the country’s 2023 Social Network Usage Management Directive. As a result, access to popular platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, YouTube, X, LinkedIn, Discord, Reddit, Snapchat, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, VK, IMO, Zalo and Hamro Patro has been blocked.

Digital rights groups argue that the ban is a severe attempt to curtail freedom of expression, the right to information and civic space. They criticise the government for keeping the definitions of “obscene,” “gruesome,” or “against national integrity and interests” vague. They warn that platforms registering under these rules would be forced to comply with such conditions, posing serious risks for marginalised communities who often use pseudonymous or anonymous accounts to express political opinions and protect personal safety.

In addition, the government is moving to pass a Social Network Bill that proposes up to two years’ imprisonment and fines of 200,000 rupees for sharing “misleading information” or “indecent content.” Activists fear that unless amended, the law will turn Nepal’s digital space into a domain of surveillance and repression.

Rights advocates have also warned that the ban will not only undermine free expression but also severely impact migrant workers’ families, small businesses, outsourcing firms and freelancers who rely on these platforms for daily communication and income.

Human rights organisations have called on the Nepalese government to immediately lift the ban and adopt open, inclusive digital policies in line with international human rights standards. They also urged technology companies to engage with the government while prioritising the interests of the public.

Civil society representatives said the move poses a grave threat to Nepal’s democracy and fundamental rights, adding a new dimension to the global struggle against censorship.