🚨 Nepal Blocks Facebook, Insta, WhatsApp & 23 Other Apps – What’s Going On?
- MediaFx
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
TL;DR: Nepal has suddenly blocked 26 major social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn. The reason? These platforms didn’t register with Nepal’s government under new cyber laws. Only a few apps like TikTok, Viber and Poppo Live are still working. The government says this is to fight #misinformation and #cybercrime, but many people worry about #freespeech and loss of online income.
Nepal’s internet just faced a massive shakeup. Overnight, people woke up to find their favourite apps gone – no Facebook scrolling, no Insta reels, no WhatsApp groups, no YouTube bingeing. The reason: the government gave a one-week deadline for these apps to register locally, and most ignored it.
The rule came after a Supreme Court directive asking all platforms to:
Register with Nepal’s Ministry of Communications
Appoint a grievance officer
Follow new rules on #selfregulation and content moderation
Those who followed (TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, Poppo Live) are still live. Everyone else got blocked.
Why Did Nepal Do This?
Officials say it’s to protect people from fake news, hate speech and online scams.
They argue unregulated apps harm national security and disturb “social harmony.”
Platforms were warned clearly, but many didn’t comply.
Who Got Banned?
Banned: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (Twitter), Reddit, LinkedIn, Snapchat and many more – total 26 apps.
Still working: TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, Poppo Live.
What’s the Fallout?
Youngsters and creators are furious – their income from Facebook and YouTube monetization is gone.
Many are rushing to use VPNs to bypass the ban.
Small businesses depending on Insta and WhatsApp marketing are struggling.
Journalists and rights groups warn this is a threat to #freedomofspeech.
When Will It Come Back?
The government says apps will be restored the same day they register in Nepal. So technically it’s temporary, but it depends on whether Meta, Google, X Corp and others are ready to follow Nepal’s rules.
Meanwhile, a bill is pending in Parliament to make these cyber rules permanent.
MediaFx Opinion
From the people’s perspective, this feels like ordinary youth and workers are paying the price while big tech giants and the government fight over control. Fake news is a real issue, but shutting down entire platforms is like punishing citizens instead of fixing the system.
Digital freedom today is as important as electricity. When common folks lose access, their education, jobs, creativity and connections are affected. The powerful always find a way around, but the poor are left voiceless.
💬 What do you think – did Nepal do the right thing, or is this just censorship in a new avatar? Share your thoughts in comments.
