Only two platforms have registered by Sunday: Ministry

KATHMANDU: Only two social media companies have been registered in Nepal since the government issued a directive requiring such companies to enlist in Nepal.

Citing a Supreme Court order, the cabinet meeting on August 21 decided to regulate social media use under the Directives on the Use of Social Media, 2023. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology subsequently published a public notice on August 28, giving platforms seven days to register. After the seven-day window for registration expired, the ministry directed internet service providers (ISPs) to block 26 social media platforms.

Ministry spokesperson Gajendra Thakur said that, as of Sunday, only Smart Idea Pvt Ltd (Hamro Patro) and Global Diary Pvt Ltd (Global Diary) had been registered and activated. He added that platforms such as X and WeChat have sought details about the registration process.

The ministry has also urged users not to rely on unsafe or unauthorized virtual private networks (VPNs) to access blocked platforms. It has again called on all social media companies to register by designating a local contact point, a grievance-handling officer and a compliance officer, as required by the directives.

According to the ministry, no fees would be charged for registration and that platforms would be reactivated once they register in Nepal.

The government’s decision to block unregistered platforms has faced widespread criticism. Many say deactivating platforms under the guise of registration amounts to curbing freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution.