Nepal Bans Facebook, WhatsApp & Dozens Of Social Media Apps; Erupts Outrage

In a move targeting non-compliance with new social media regulations, Nepal banned Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and more than two dozen other platforms after accusing them of failing to register with the government. The ban took effect at midnight on Thursday.

The decision immediately drew criticism from human rights and press freedom organisations, which accused Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government of curbing free speech and harming businesses.

Protesters warned that the restrictions undermine democracy and disproportionately affect Nepal’s economy.

Social Media Platforms Fail to Register

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology confirmed that it gave companies seven days to register under Nepal’s new social media laws following a court order.

The ministry said all 26 platforms, including X, Reddit, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Signal, failed to comply, prompting authorities to order their deactivation. Only five companies, including TikTok, registered and were exempt from restrictions.

The sweeping ban disrupted businesses and Nepal’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on social media for marketing and customer engagement. Families also faced hardships as millions of Nepalese depend on messaging apps to stay connected with relatives abroad.

On Sunday, dozens of journalists rallied in Kathmandu against the shutdown. They carried placards reading, “No shutdown of social networks, no silencing of voices,” “Freedom of expression is our right,” and “Democracy hacked, authoritarianism back.”

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement warning that Nepal’s action sets a ‘dangerous precedent for press freedom’.

Prime Minister Oli defended the ban in a speech on Sunday, insisting he would not allow the ‘nation to be undermined’.

He declared, “The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty?”

Although Nepal traditionally allows broad freedom of expression, critics say Oli’s administration is increasingly overreaching.

In 2023, the government banned TikTok for nine months due to concerns over hate speech and cybercrime before reinstating it after the company registered.

Casualties Reported During Nepal Protest

As per the recent development, in Damak, police opened fire on demonstrators, leaving one person dead and at least 80 injured.

Meanwhile, in New Baneshwar, several protesters were injured in police firing as clashes spread.

Taking further action, the authorities deployed the army and enforced curfews in parts of Kathmandu.

Nepal’s Gen-Z-led protest movement has escalated sharply. Demonstrations continued despite restrictions, with reports of firing and casualties across protest sites.