The government has once again urged social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, to register in Nepal, as they have yet to comply with local laws. According to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, only TikTok—which was banned for nine months—along with Viber and BitTalk, have been officially registered so far. On Monday, the ministry issued a second notice calling for compliance.

The Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080 requires individuals, companies, or organizations operating social media platforms in Nepal to register with the ministry and designate a contact person residing in the country. However, many platforms have failed to do so despite repeated government requests. The latest notice issued by the ministry outlines provisions for the registration, regulation, and monitoring of social media. Ministry officials stated that this step would increase the responsibility of online platforms and help create a safer and more dignified digital space.

The directive mandates that social media platforms must register before offering services in Nepal, establish a mechanism to monitor and remove objectionable content, and prioritize user privacy and data security. It also requires them to set up a liaison office in Nepal, appoint a resident complaint-handling officer, and designate an officer to monitor self-regulation compliance. Additionally, platforms are expected to promote Nepal’s tourism, enhance digital literacy, and implement technology for content moderation, according to Gajendra Kumar Thakur, joint secretary of the Ministry.

The government has repeatedly contacted platforms like Facebook and X, but they have not responded to official letters. Thakur stated that despite repeated attempts, these platforms have been negligent. He emphasized that no one is above the law, and they have once again been asked to comply. The directive also states that registered platforms must update their details every three years.

In addition to the directive, the government has introduced the Bill on the Operation, Use, and Regulation of Social Media in the National Assembly on January 28. The bill mandates that platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, WhatsApp, Viber, YouTube, and LinkedIn must obtain a license within three months of the bill’s passage. The bill further stipulates that platforms without a license or those with revoked licenses will be banned. The Department of Information Technology will be responsible for directing the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to block such platforms through internet service providers.

The bill requires social media companies to submit an application for licensing, including company registration documents, privacy and data security policies, and details of foreign investors. They must renew their licenses every two years, with renewal applications submitted at least 15 days before expiration. Platforms operating from outside Nepal must establish a local contact point or risk having their license revoked.

Non-compliant social media platforms could face fines of up to Rs 10 million. Users found guilty of spreading "misleading information detrimental to national interest" could face imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of Rs 1.5 million. The bill also requires platforms to provide user details to authorities for investigations, allow users access only after verifying their identity, and implement technology to prevent illegal content. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in fines ranging from Rs 2.5 million to Rs 10 million.

The bill has drawn criticism from the Federation of Nepali Journalists and civil society organizations, who argue that it threatens freedom of expression. They have expressed concerns that the proposed provisions could be used to suppress dissent and limit online freedoms.