Nepal banned social media forums like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, which failed to register in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology within the stipulated time limit on Thursday (September 4, 2025). This information was issued by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Nepal.

In the notice issued by the ministry, it was said that these social media companies were given seven days time from August 28 for registration. When the deadline ended on the night of Wednesday (September 3, 2025), no major social media forum submitted the application. This list includes the names of Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X, Redit and LinkedIn.

These social media platforms registered

However, according to the ministry, tickets, vibers, watches, Nimbaj and Popo Live have been listed, while Telegram and Global Diary have applied and they are in the process of approval. Facebook and other social media companies have not yet commented on the Nepal government’s decision.

Nepal government’s order will come into effect from midnight of 4 September

According to sources in the ministry, the decision to ban social media forums was taken in a meeting chaired by Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung. These forums were not following the compulsory registration process under social network use management instructions, 2023.

The Ministry has also directed the Nepal Telecom Authority to neutralize unregistered social media platforms. Sources in the ministry said that the ban will come into effect from midnight on Thursday (September 4, 2025).

Ministry spokesperson made a statement about the government’s decision

Ministry spokesman Gajendra Kumar Thakur said, ‘All other social media platforms will be inactive in Nepal, except for five platforms listed and two platforms under process. If a platform completes registration, it will be opened again on the same day.

Observers said, “This decision will definitely affect millions of people living abroad, earning or learning, as most of them use social media platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp for daily conversation.”

Fnj Objectioned the decision of the Nepal government

Meanwhile, the Nepali Journalist Federation (FNJ) objected to the government’s decision to ban these social media platforms and demanded immediate withdrawal of the decision.

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