Govt. threatens to ban unregistered social media platforms

KATHMANDU: The Nepali government has warned Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram that they will be banned unless they register within a month.

A notice from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology stated that unregistered platforms would face restrictions under the Social Media Guidelines.

The government has urged platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn to comply with the 2023 Social Media Usage Regulation Guidelines.

So far, only Viber, TikTok, and Weetok have registered. These guidelines require platforms to monitor content and protect user data.

Additionally, a proposed bill in Parliament mandates all platforms to register within six months, with penalties including fines of up to Rs 2.5 million and up to five years in prison for offences like cyberbullying, hacking, and misinformation.

Critics argue the measures may limit free speech, and the bill is still under review.