Powerful Social Media, Weak Government

Kathmandu – The Nepalese government has failed to regulate major social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) currently in use in Nepal. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology had issued ultimatums four times, demanding these platforms register in Nepal. However, these social media companies have refused to comply.

The government had warned that it would ban platforms that did not register, but it ultimately stepped back from its stance. On March 20, 2024 (Chaitra 7, 2080 BS), the government issued a third ultimatum through the Gorkhapatra newspaper. Despite repeated requests, major platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn have not followed the registration guidelines under the "Social Media Use Regulation Directive, 2080."