Nepal blocks Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X over rule breach, amid censorship concerns

In a significant move, Nepal has mandated internet service providers to block access to key social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. This action stems from the companies' failure to adhere to local registration regulations, prompting backlash from media advocacy groups and raising alarms about censorship and freedom of expression. On Thursday, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology issued a directive to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, instructing them to restrict access to a total of 26 social media platforms. This decision came after a meeting among ministry officials earlier in the day. With an internet penetration rate exceeding 90%, as per the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, social media usage in the country is substantial; 87% of users are on Facebook, while 6% use X and 5% are on YouTube, according to analytics firm Statcounter. The list of platforms affected by this directive includes popular sites such as Discord, Messenger, WeChat, Reddit, and Snapchat. This latest action follows an August 25 announcement that granted foreign social media companies a mere seven days to register their operations in Nepal and designate a local contact. Media organizations and civil society groups have strongly criticized the government's decision, arguing it would severely impede journalists' work and restrict citizens’ access to vital news and information. The Committee to Protect Journalists, based in New York, stated that the ban undermines press freedom, while the Federation of Nepali Journalists echoed these sentiments. This directive comes on the heels of a recent ruling by Nepal’s Supreme Court, which upheld the government’s registration requirement aimed at combating misinformation. However, the court did not explicitly endorse the banning of platforms that did not comply, instead advising officials to establish appropriate legal frameworks. Interestingly, platforms like TikTok and Viber are not included in this ban, as they have already fulfilled the registration requirements. Raman Jit Singh Chima, Asia Pacific Policy Director at Access Now, expressed deep concern over the government's censorship approach, likening it to the restrictive digital policies seen in countries like China, which contradicts Nepal's democratic values. Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung defended the government's actions, asserting that ample time had been given to these platforms to comply with local laws. A public notice indicated that access would be restored upon registration. Chima urged the Nepalese government to publish all blocking orders and adopt a legislative process that includes transparency, due process, and public consultation. He cautioned that the current directives grant the government excessive power to suspend services and remove content, potentially leading to overreach and undue pressure on companies to censor lawful content. Earlier this year, Nepal faced significant public outcry over a proposed social media bill that could impose prison sentences and fines for posts deemed detrimental to national interests. Although Minister Gurung stated there was no intent to limit freedom of expression, the bill would empower the government to demand the removal of specific posts, with noncompliance resulting in punitive measures. A spokesperson for the Ministry has not yet commented on the blocking decision.