Kathmandu — The Government of Nepal has announced its decision to shut down 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn.

The move follows a meeting held on Bhadra 19 by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, aimed at implementing a Cabinet decision and a directive issued by the Supreme Court.

The ministry has instructed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to block access to these platforms starting immediately. Earlier, the government had given a final seven-day deadline for these platforms to register in Nepal, which expired on Bhadra 18. As major companies like Meta, Alphabet, X, and Reddit failed to submit registration applications within the stipulated time, the government proceeded with the deactivation order.

The Supreme Court recently issued a mandate directing the government to regulate unregistered social media platforms, OTT apps, and internet browsers that broadcast content with advertisements. In response, the government made registration mandatory under the “Social Media Usage Guidelines, 2080.”

Platforms that remain unregistered or fail to establish contact will be gradually deactivated. Once registration is completed, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority will be instructed to reactivate those platforms.

This decision is expected to have a direct impact on social media usage, digital freedom of expression, and commercial communication. Experts suggest that while the government’s move aims to ensure transparency and accountability of digital platforms, it may also restrict access for general users.

The government is expected to further clarify the registration process, define the scope of regulation, and take additional steps to safeguard user rights in the coming days.