Nepal's Digital Sovereignty Drive

The government’s recent notice requiring social media platforms to register within a week marks a significant step towards strengthening digital governance in Nepal. Facebook and X are among the platforms instructed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to comply with the registration plan or face blocking. This move follows the Social Media Use Management Directive, 2080 BS, and a Supreme Court order, both aimed at ensuring accountability and responsibility among social media companies operating in the country. Under the directive, platforms must appoint local contacts, complaint-handling officers, and compliance officers to facilitate communication with Nepali authorities. Registration will not only bring companies in line with the law but also help them build stronger relationships with Nepali users. Compliance ensures uninterrupted business, more effective rule enforcement, and a degree of safety and recourse for users. Additionally, registration allows the government to tax revenues earned from Nepali users, ensuring fair economic benefits for the country. So far, major players such as Meta have remained unresponsive to the government’s call. By enforcing registration, Nepal is asserting its digital sovereignty.