Kathmandu: In line with a government directive, major telecommunications providers in Nepal have begun disabling access to unregistered social networks, including popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and YouTube.

Implementation Begins

Nepal Telecom and Ncell confirmed that they have already restricted access to these platforms after receiving formal instructions from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). The blocking process is being carried out in phases — initially on large devices such as laptops and desktops, followed by mobile phones.

Legal and Policy Backing

According to Nepal Telecom, the move is based on a series of decisions, including an order of the Supreme Court, a Cabinet decision, and ministerial directives from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. On Thursday, the NTA formally sent a letter instructing providers to block 26 different social networks that are yet to be registered in Nepal.

Exceptions and Clarifications

Although HamroPatro was listed among the 26, authorities clarified it would not be blocked, as the platform initiated its registration process on Thursday.

Ministry’s Position

The secretariat of Information and Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that the ministry is ready to engage with social network companies but emphasized that restrictions will continue until formal registration applications are submitted. Informal contacts, they said, are not sufficient to lift the ban.

Ncell’s Statement

Ncell has also issued a statement confirming compliance with the government order, blocking access to all unregistered social networks on its network.