Nepal Urges Social Media Giants: Register or Face Ban!
As the digital landscape evolves, Nepal takes a firm stand on regulating social media platforms to ensure compliance with national laws. Foreign giants like Facebook and Twitter (X) are under scrutiny as they have yet to respond to Nepal’s directive for registration, setting the stage for a potential showdown in the world of digital communication.
Minister’s Cautionary Tone
Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, during an event in Rupandehi, delivered a decisive warning: “We have given Facebook ample time to register, and failure to comply by mid-April could lead to its shutdown in Nepal.” His statement, though misaligned with the official deadline, underscores the gravity of the situation.
The Clock is Ticking
According to the Ministry of Communications, the deadline for registration extends until April 20, 2025, contrary to earlier statements. This gives platforms a narrow window to align with Nepal’s regulatory requirements, emphasizing the importance of adherence to local laws, as uncertainty looms over their operations in the country.
Facebook’s Next Move?
Despite the global presence of Meta’s platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—the company remains silent in response to Nepal’s repeated calls for registration. According to Khabarhub, TikTok, Viber, and Bitok have already complied with the Directive 2080’s provisions. With a strong user base in Nepal, Meta faces potential alienation should they remain unregistered.
Regulatory Framework
Nepal’s Directive 2080 mandates that social media entities must submit applications to the Ministry of Communications, establish a local contact point, and have resident representatives for complaint handling and compliance monitoring. These measures aim to ensure responsible digital communication and safeguard national interests.
An Uncertain Digital Future
As the deadline edges closer, the focus remains on how social media platforms will respond to Nepalese authorities. The outcome may set a precedent for regulatory practices across regions, potentially influencing global digital strategy. The countdown is nearly at its end, but the silence from Meta leaves many to wonder: will they comply, or will Nepal take definitive action?
Stay tuned for the final hour developments, as this situation unfolds, potentially reshaping the digital interaction landscape in Nepal.
