Nepal Blocks Dozens of SNS Platforms Including YouTube and Facebook, Causing User Confusion

Nepal has blocked a large number of social networking services (SNS) such as YouTube and Facebook that are not registered with the government, causing confusion among local users.

According to major foreign media outlets including the Associated Press on September 6 (local time), the previous day, Nepal's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology instructed the telecommunications industry to block access to 26 unregistered SNS platforms, including YouTube and Facebook.

Prithvi Subba Gurung, Nepal's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, stated that SNS operators had been repeatedly notified to officially register their companies. However, three SNS platforms that have already registered with the Nepalese authorities, such as TikTok and Viber, were not blocked.

In 2023, Nepal passed a regulation requiring SNS platforms operating in the country to establish a local office and register with the authorities. In addition, last week, the Nepalese cabinet decided to give SNS companies a seven-day period to register with the authorities, set up a point of contact, and designate a representative responsible for handling user complaints.

These measures have led to millions of users in Nepal expressing their dissatisfaction. Sumana Shrestha, a member of Nepal's opposition National Independent Party, criticized the government, saying, "The government does not care about how this measure will affect the public," and accused the authorities of trying to control press freedom.

Nepal blocked TikTok in 2023, but lifted the ban in August last year after TikTok agreed to comply with Nepalese government regulations. Additionally, in July, Nepal also blocked the Telegram messenger in connection with online fraud and money laundering.