Banning the Social Media: Why Nepal’s blanket social media ban misses the mark

Social media is no longer just a digital tool—it’s the heartbeat of modern communication. In Nepal, as in many parts of the world, it has become synonymous with the internet itself. For millions, it’s where families stay connected, businesses thrive, ideas are exchanged, and news is consumed. It’s a forum for expression, a marketplace, and a public square rolled into one.

Given its ubiquity, it’s understandable that governments feel compelled to regulate it. The state, entrusted with safeguarding public welfare, has the inherent authority to oversee platforms that impact its citizens. Just as it regulates imports—ensuring vehicles meet safety standards and offer proper after-sales support—it can and should regulate digital platforms to protect users and uphold societal values. We cannot only argue saying internet freedom. Considering social dynamics and directive from Supreme Court of Nepal, advocating absolute freedom in internet without restriction is not convincing. However, regulation must not be confused with suppression.