Govt Ultimatum to Social Media Firms Ends at Midnight

The government has warned that social media platforms could face a shutdown if they fail to register in Nepal by midnight.

Last week, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology directed unregistered companies   including Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, Google, Gmail, and LinkedIn  to complete registration within seven days. But according to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), none of the firms have applied so far.

Officials say discussions are ongoing, as blocking services like Gmail and Google Search could disrupt government operations and spark legal challenges over the right to information. Some platforms may continue beyond the deadline, while others could face restrictions.

Currently, only TikTok and Viber are officially registered in Nepal. Major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and X remain unregistered.

Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung recently told the National Assembly that Meta has refused to register in Nepal, citing unwillingness to comply with local laws. Under the rules, registered firms must set up a local office, appoint a grievance officer, and ensure compliance monitoring within the country.