Explained: Real reason why Nepal imposed ban on Facebook, Instagram and X

Nepal has banned 26 social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and X. These platforms were supposed to register with Nepal ‘s Ministry of Information and Technology within seven days, but they failed to do so. The ministry had set a deadline of 7 days from August 28 for the companies to complete the registration. This deadline expired on Wednesday night. Officials said that the ban will come into effect across the country with immediate effect and the ministry has started issuing letters to the concerned companies. The government had already warned of suspending the platforms that do not follow the rules.

Which platforms were shut down?

So far, platforms like TikTok, Vtalk, Viber and Nibanj have been registered in Nepal. Telegram and Global Diary are in the process, but no major platform including Meta (parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X, Reddit or LinkedIn has yet applied. According to Nepali officials, services can resume after the platforms complete the registration process and follow national rules.

The ministry notice said, “The Hon’ble Supreme Court has issued a directional order to the Government of Nepal in a case of contempt of court, directing online and social media platforms of domestic or foreign origin to mandatorily list with the relevant authorities before operating and to evaluate and monitor unwanted content.”

The notice further states that as per the order, all social media platforms have been given a deadline of 7 days to get listed. The Nepal Telecommunication Authority has been directed to deactivate those social media platforms within Nepal that have not approached the ministry to get listed within the given deadline. The ministry has directed the platforms to be shut down from Thursday midnight. Spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur said that any platform that completes the registration will be taken down on the same day.

Army deployed in Baneshwor as Gen Z protest escalates

Nepali Army has been deployed in New Baneshwor after the situation intensified during the Gen Z protest against corruption and the government’s social media ban. The army was mobilized following the imposition of a curfew in the area.The decision came after protesters broke into restricted zones and entered the Federal Parliament premises, prompting authorities to issue a curfew order. Security forces had earlier fired tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and even aerial shots to disperse the crowd, but demonstrators continued to clash with police.

News