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by Anya Sharma | KATHMANDU – 2025/09/05 09:30:15
The Nepal government has announced it will block 26 websites, including facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, for failing to register as required by the country’s laws by the deadline on Wednesday. According to a decree issued on August 25, these platforms were required to register with the Ministry of Communications, obtain a license, and designate a local representative to address any issues related to their operations. The government stated its intention is to curb hate speech, criminal activity, and the spread of false information.
The block is expected to take effect by Friday evening. so far, only five platforms have registered, including Tiktok and Viber, a popular messaging app in Eastern Europe and Asia, and particularly widespread in Nepal. Other platforms have registration processes underway. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has reportedly contacted the local government to begin the necessary procedures to restore services.
“The government’s intent is to limit the comments of hatred, crime and false news.”
frequently Asked Questions
- Why are governments regulating social media?
- Governments regulate social media to address concerns such as misinformation,hate speech,data privacy,and national security.
- What are the potential impacts of blocking social media sites?
- Blocking social media sites can limit access to information, disrupt communication, and affect businesses that rely on these platforms. However, it can also reduce the spread of harmful content.
- How do social media platforms respond to government regulations?
- Social media platforms often engage in negotiations with governments, update their policies to comply with local laws, and implement content moderation strategies.
