Facebook will be closed in Nepal

Source: Cryptopolitan

4 Sept 2025 21:45

Facebook is about to be shut down in Nepal after the company failed to register with the government.

Following the trend of increased government oversight over big tech and social platforms, Nepal has ordered the closure of unregistered networks, including Facebook.

Facebook will close in Nepal

Nepal announced on Thursday that it will block access to several social platforms, including Facebook, after they failed to register with the authorities.

Officials explained that companies had a deadline to register with the Ministry of Communications and Technology, provide a local contact, appoint a complaints officer, and designate a self-regulation officer. Platforms that did not meet these requirements before Wednesday faced shutdown.

The Ministry stated that the new rules aim to curb the increasing misuse of networks, where users spread hate, false news, and commit cybercrimes through fake profiles. Approximately 90% of the 30 million Nepalese use the internet, and the government argues that stricter regulations are needed to protect social harmony.

A government notification on Thursday instructed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to disable unregistered platforms.

According to a government official, TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, and Poppo Live have completed the registration. However, Meta's main services, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, have not.

The Minister of Communications, Prithvi Subba Gurung, stated that the government provided sufficient time to comply, but had to act in response to their refusal.

“We gave them enough time and repeatedly asked them to comply, but they ignored us and we had to close their operations in Nepal,” Gurung explained.

Global regulatory efforts

Global governments are ramping up oversight of big tech companies. Officials from the United States, European Union, Brazil, and Australia have pushed for new rules to combat misinformation, online harms, and privacy issues.

India has already introduced strict requirements for foreign tech companies, including local officers and systems to remove harmful content. China also imposes rigorous controls, with mandatory licenses and strong censorship.

Critics argue that these measures may restrict expression and give governments excessive control. Human rights groups warn that shutting down platforms can silence political dissent or limit open debate.

In Nepal, Manish Jha, spokesperson for the National Independent Party, said that regulation should focus on responsibility without falling into censorship.

“Social networks should be legally monitored and disciplined, but not shut down,” Jha stated.

Despite these concerns, the Nepali government insists that its actions are necessary to maintain order. Authorities claim that unregistered platforms allow users to hide behind false identities and cause real harm. By requiring companies to register and designate responsible parties, they hope to improve accountability and cooperation in cybercrime investigations.