Govt mandates registration for social media platforms in Nepal within 30 days
KATHMANDU: The Nepal government has issued a notice requiring all individuals, companies, or organizations operating or intending to operate social media platforms within the country to register with the relevant authorities within one month. Failure to comply could result in a ban on such platforms, the notice warns.
The directive, issued today by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, is based on the Social Media Usage Regulation Directive, 2080 (2023). Clause 3 of the directive mandates that any person, company, or entity operating or planning to operate a social media platform must register with the ministry. The registration process requires submitting an application—either directly or through a representative—in the format specified in Schedule-1 of the directive, along with the necessary documents.
The directive further stipulates that registered entities must establish a contact point within Nepal, appoint an officer to handle residential grievances, and designate an official to monitor compliance with self-regulation standards. As of now, only Viber, TikTok, and Saransh Media Lab Pvt. Ltd. (WeTalk) have registered with the ministry and are operating legally. The ministry has urged all other social media platforms currently active in Nepal to complete their registration within 30 days as per the directive.
The notice states, “All concerned are hereby informed to establish a contact point in Nepal, an officer to address residential grievances, and an official to monitor self-regulation compliance. Social media platforms failing to register within the stipulated time may face a ban on operations in Nepal, as per Clause 3, Sub-clause (7) of the directive.” This move aims to regulate the growing use of social media in the country, ensuring accountability and adherence to national laws amidst rising concerns over digital governance.
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