No Social Media Platform Has Approached Us Thus Far for Registration: Communication Ministry

The government-given deadline for social media platforms to register for continuing their operations in Nepal expires in three days (April 20). 

In the context of this fast-approaching deadline, Nepal Verified News asked Gajendra Kumar Thakur, spokesperson for the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, one simple question: Has any social media platform approached the ministry for registration? 

"No," was his answer. He added: still, we are hopeful that at least some of these platforms will approach us for registration. 

Asked if the line ministry can impose fine against social media platforms for operating in Nepal without registering, Thakur said: Existing laws do not allow us to impose fine against them. All we can do is shut them down. 

Facebook, Instragram and WhatsApp of Meta, YouTube and X are some of the most popular social media platforms in Nepal. 

It should be noted that Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, addressing a program in Rupandehi a few days ago, had threatened to shut down social media platforms if they do not register within the deadline.     

He emphasized that the move was meant to curb an increasing number of scams taking place via social media platforms.

“In many countries, including our neighbor India, social media platforms have to register and pay taxes if they want to operate there. They must do the same here in Nepal. It’s time they fulfilled their responsibilities toward the Nepali state as well.”

Minister Gurung said, “There is a misconception that online news media will also be regulated or shut down. This is not true. The constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of the press will remain protected.” 

He informed that the government was also working to introduce several media-related bills, including one concerning the Press Council.