The government of Nepal has given a 7-day ultimatum to social networks including Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. to register in Nepal or face ban. The cabinet meeting on August 25 decided on the final request to social networks to get on the registry.
Back in April 4 too, the Ministry of Communication, Information, and Technology (MoCIT) released a notice warning that it would diable unregsitered social platforms in Nepal.
The government had given a 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. Before that, foreign social networks were given a month of time to register their platforms.
Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung has claimed that Meta won’t comply with Nepali laws for registration. But the latest ultimatum means that now, Meta, and other social networks have just till September 01 (Bhadra 01) to register in Nepal.
Though the ultimatum to ban social networks also has also drawn its share of debates.
Government warns to ban Facebook, and other social media if remain unregistered
The government has made plans to ban Meta platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Insta, and other social networks in Nepal if they refuse their registration in Nepal. If necessairy, it will have Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) bar access to these platforms on Nepali ISPs and telcos’ networks.
The government is seeking to list social platforms in Nepal in seven days as per the Supreme Court’s instruction.
Also: Social media rules in Nepal: List of what you can’t do?
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.
Check out: Ntc social media packs for Facebook, YouTube, TikTok
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. Currently, Telegram also remains banned in Nepal. 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.
Also, check out: Most popular apps in Nepal based on their values | Latest update
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 government doesn’t want social network ban but only wants their registration. So, it’s best that both parties find a proper and right resolution.
