A group of 31 civil society organizations–working in the fields of freedom of expression, digital rights, and democratic governance in Nepal– have jointly called on the government and stakeholders concerned to ensure that any regulation of social media platforms follows transparent, rights-friendly, and participatory approach.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, May 1, the organizations–including Amnesty International Nepal, Media Advocacy Group, Purple Foundation, Digital Rights Nepal, Freedom Forum, Nepal Internet Foundation, MySansar, Women Leaders in Technology, Body and Data and Media Action Nepal among others–voiced deep concern over recent remarks by Minister for Information and Communication Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, who threatened to shut down Meta platforms if the tech giant fails to register in Nepal within a week.

Read: Minister Gurung Threatens Meta Ban, Again, Over Failure to Register in Nepal

Speaking at an interaction program organized by the National Information Commission on April 25, Minister Gurung warned that Meta—parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger—would face a nationwide ban if it does not comply with Nepal’s registration directive. The ultimatum followed the April 20 deadline set by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology for social media platforms to register. No new platforms had registered by the deadline.

While acknowledging the need for a legal framework to ensure accountability of digital platforms, the civil society groups cautioned that any attempt to ban platforms without clear legal standards and due process would be arbitrary and unconstitutional.

“We recognize the importance of regulation,” the statement reads, “but it must be grounded in transparency, legality, and human rights standards. Vague threats of bans erode public trust and pose a serious risk to freedom of expression, the right to information, and digital rights.”

The government issued a directive related to the regulation for the usage of social media in 2023. It requires platforms to register locally, appoint a contact person, designate a complaints officer, and renew registration every three years.

Read: Facebook, Instagram and X Miss Deadline to Register in Nepal

However, civil society organizations argue that some of these rules lack a clear enforcement mechanism and fail to ensure genuine accountability.

They also expressed concern that the government’s threats come at a time when a Social Media Bill is already under parliamentary discussion—raising fears of preemptive crackdowns on online expression.

Critics warn that such restrictive actions could not only chill free speech but also harm Nepal’s emerging IT sector and deter foreign investment. They argue that platforms like Facebook and Messenger are critical for millions of Nepalis, especially migrant workers and their families, to maintain affordable communication.

Social media is also an increasingly important source of news and public engagement in Nepal, as traffic to traditional news websites declines. Major media outlets now depend on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to reach audiences and distribute content.

Read: From Ban to Praise: Nepal's Minister Now Backs TikTok

The digital ecosystem has also enabled content creators and small entrepreneurs to generate income, offering rare livelihood opportunities in a country where employment options are limited.

Observers argue that regulation should not be used as a tool for censorship. Instead, they urge the government to engage in meaningful, transparent dialogue with platforms and stakeholders to resolve issues surrounding registration and content moderation.

Social media is not just a communication tool—it is a modern-day lifeline and a fundamental right, observers says.

While respecting the government’s authority to regulate, the organisations insist that all actions must comply with Nepal’s Constitution and international human rights obligations, including treaties protecting civil and political rights.

The organisations urge the government to:

- Refrain from rash or heavy-handed decisions that could infringe on constitutional rights, including freedom of expression (Article 17), the right to information (Article 27), and digital access.

- Ensure any regulatory process is transparent, inclusive, and rights-friendly, with input from civil society, legal experts, and affected communities.

- Develop a legal framework that ensures social media platforms are accountable without violating user rights, grounded in international human rights standards.

- Reserve bans or restrictions as a last resort, pursued only through clearly defined legal processes.

“We believe platforms must be accountable to democratic norms and human rights while preventing misuse,” the statement emphasizes. “We urge digital companies to engage with the Nepali government in good faith and help co-create a regulatory environment aligned with international best practices.”

Civil society groups also called on social media companies to act responsibly and transparently while operating in Nepal.

“The government has a duty to protect access to digital tools, uphold public discourse, and safeguard civil liberties,” the statement concludes. “We stress the need for collaborative, sustainable, and rights-based digital governance, and call for broad public debate and expert consultation on the Social Media Bill currently in Parliament.”