The Nepal government on Thursday announced that it is banning most of the major social media platforms including Facebook, X and YouTube, as these companies have failed to follow the rules required to officially register in the country.
Communications and Information Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung said that about two dozen platforms used to be widely used in Nepal were given repeated notices for registration, but they did not respond. According to the news agency AP, he said that these platforms will be blocked immediately. 
However, tickets, vibers and three other platforms will continue to work in Nepal, as they have registered with the government.
Opposition to the government’s move
The Nepal governments are pressurizing social media companies to set up a contact office or contact center inside the country. A bill has been introduced in Parliament recently, which emphasizes that social media should be managed, responsible and accountable.
This proposed law, which is yet to be fully debated, has been criticized by human rights groups, arguing that it is designed to sensor disagreement and punish online protests.
He says that this is a threat to freedom of expression and can violate the fundamental rights of citizens. Till now social media companies like Meta etc. have not given any response to this.
Government’s argument behind the ban
Officials say that strict rules are needed to monitor social media and make users accountable for the content to be posted and shared on their platforms.
