In a move that has provoked uproar and astonishment, Nepal announced the blocking of 26 major social media platforms, including the likes of Facebook and Instagram. This significant decision marks a turning point in the country’s digital landscape as it seeks to enforce stringent registration laws on popular networks.

The Directive and Its Demands

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has implemented a directive issued under the 2023 Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media. Platforms were required to establish a liaison within the country, appoint a grievance officer, and adhere to self-regulation measures. The deadline for compliance, which lapsed on September 3rd, left many international giants in breach of these new requirements.

Government’s Stance and Supreme Court Mandate

Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung spearheaded the decision during a critical ministerial meeting. Citing a Supreme Court mandamus order and previous Cabinet ventures, Gurung defended the move as aligning with the need to control misinformation and impose proper governance structures for digital content. According to Jurist.org, the regulation aims to ensure accountability and responsible use across all social media outlets.

Global Shockwave: Users React

The reaction from the public has been immediate and intense. Users took to platforms like Facebook and X to share what they anticipate as their final photos, overwhelmed by the surprise move. While TikTok and Viber escaped the block due to timely compliance, platforms such as Reddit and WhatsApp did not meet the registration requirements, resulting in the cessation of services in Nepal.

Even as the blocks were implemented, the resistance was palpable. Writ petitions have flooded the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the decision and pushing back against what many see as an excessive clampdown on digital freedoms. While the petitions are yet to be formally registered, Nirajan Pandey, assistant spokesperson for the Supreme Court, confirmed that the reviews are ongoing.

A Future Under the Social Media Act, 2081

Parliament is now set to consider the Social Media Bill 2081, which aims to officially codify these regulations into law. The bill, poised to become the Social Media Act after National Assembly approval, signals a new era of controlled social media activities in Nepal. For many, this marks just the beginning of a complex battle between regulation and freedom in the digital realm.

Nepal’s sweeping action places it at the forefront of global debates on social media regulation, drawing attention from tech companies and governments worldwide. The long-term impact of this decision remains to be seen, as both domestic and international stakeholders eagerly await the unfolding of events in this Himalayan nation.