KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has issued a strong directive requiring all social media platforms operating within the country to register and establish a local point of contact. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) released an official notice on Monday, emphasizing the need to regulate digital platforms, ensure compliance with national laws, and enhance digital governance.
With the rapid growth of social media engagement in Nepal, the government is tightening regulations to manage digital platforms effectively. The directive mandates that any individual, company, or organization running a social media platform in Nepal must be officially registered and adhere to compliance measures, including setting up a designated point of contact within the country.
Social Media Giants Yet to Comply with Nepal’s Regulations
The Nepalese government has already brought popular platforms such as TikTok and Viber under its regulatory framework, requiring them to pay taxes and operate within Nepal’s legal structure. However, major global social media companies such as Meta (which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp), X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram have yet to complete the mandatory registration process.
This latest notice serves as a final warning, as the government pushes for greater accountability and transparency in the digital economy. The directive aligns with global trends, where governments worldwide are enforcing stricter compliance on digital platforms to curb misinformation, data privacy breaches, and unregulated financial transactions.
Stronger Enforcement Measures Expected
The ministry has indicated that non-compliance could lead to stringent actions, including restrictions on unregistered platforms. Authorities are considering measures similar to those adopted by other countries, where non-compliant platforms face potential fines, operational blocks, or increased taxation.
“Nepal is committed to regulating social media platforms to ensure user safety, prevent misuse, and bring digital businesses under the tax system. Companies failing to comply with this directive may face operational consequences,” the ministry’s notice stated.
The Growing Influence of Social Media in Nepal
With millions of users engaging on social media platforms daily, Nepal’s digital landscape is expanding rapidly. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter have become primary sources of communication, entertainment, digital marketing, and e-commerce. However, the lack of regulation has raised concerns over issues such as data security, cybercrimes, misinformation, and revenue loss for the government.
By enforcing these regulations, the Nepalese government aims to ensure that social media companies contribute to the country’s digital economy through proper taxation and accountability. Many countries, including India, the European Union, and the United States, have implemented similar regulatory frameworks to govern social media operations.
What’s Next for Social Media Companies in Nepal?
The government’s directive highlights the urgent need for global social media corporations to align with Nepal’s regulatory framework. If companies like Meta, X, and Telegram do not take action, Nepal could follow global regulatory trends by imposing operational restrictions or fines on non-compliant platforms.
This move is expected to impact digital advertisers, influencers, and businesses that rely on social media for marketing, branding, and audience engagement. As the government enforces stricter policies, businesses and content creators in Nepal may have to adapt to new compliance measures.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how global tech giants respond to Nepal’s regulatory push and whether they will comply with the government’s directives to continue operating smoothly in the country.