The government of Nepal has warned that it will ban social networks such as Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp), X, etc., that aren’t registered. The Ministry of Communication, Information, and Technology (MoCIT) released a notice on April 4, warning that it would render such platforms operational in the country.
The new warning comes after the government’s one-week ultimatum for social media giants such as Meta and X to register in Nepal. That didn’t happen. Meta is the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The government has called on their parent company and others to get on the registry books in Nepal for operation.
On Chaitra 07, the communication ministry had given Meta, X, etc., one month to approach the government for registration. The communication minister, Prithvi Subba Gurung, then issued an “ultimatum” for these platforms to register in 7 days. The latest warning comes after both government approaches failed to draw their attention.
Though the ultimatum to ban social networks also drew its share of debates.
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Government calls on social networks including Meta, X to register or face ban
The government wants Meta, X, etc. to register in accordance with the right granted by Section 79 Electronic Transaction Act 2063. The government has brought into law the Directive for the Management of Social Networks 2080. The regulations state that foreign social networks shall be registered in Nepal, a point of contact must be established, and a mechanism must be established to address grievances.
MoCIT wants social network users to use these platforms without interruption, and these platforms follow the guidelines for their operation. Therefore, the communication ministry wants both social network operators and users to face no barriers in their use and operation in Nepal. So, we want them to register according to the ‘guidelines’,” the MoCIT notice reads.
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The notice further reads that the social networks, such as Meta and X, that don’t register in Nepal will go out of operation. The government, though, maintains that once they lawfully register, their ban will be lifted.
In recent years, Nepal’s governments have been very persistent with social media regulation. A prime example is the ban on TikTok, though it was later lifted. The government has frequently called on users to uphold social decorum on social media to ensure social cohesion and tolerance. That seems to be the logic on bringing social media giants into registration in Nepal.
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If Meta, X register in Nepal …
If Meta and X register in Nepal, the government can have faster access to the companies. This could help with investigation, “content filtering”, etc. But the policies of these companies and the government’s conditions might also be the very reasons for the delay in their registration process.
On previous occasions, the Nepal government and Meta have cooperated to monitor users’ content on social media during elections. So, they may not be strictly unwilling to comply. But time will tell us more about it.
The Communication Ministry also doesn’t want social networks to face a ban but only wants their registration. So, it’s best that both parties find a proper and right resolution.
