Nepal mandates registration of social media platforms following Supreme Court directive

August 28, Kathmandu: The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has issued a public notice requiring all social media platforms operating in Nepal to register with the ministry within seven days, in compliance with a Supreme Court directive. The order, issued by the Full Bench of the Supreme Court, mandates that all domestic and foreign online and social media platforms must be registered with the competent authority before operating in Nepal.

As per the decision of the Government of Nepal (Council of Ministers) on August 26, unregistered social media platforms must register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology by September 4, 2025. Each platform is required to designate a Point of Contact, a Resident Grievance Handling Officer, and an Officer responsible for monitoring compliance with self-regulation within Nepal.

Failure to register within the stipulated time or establish contact for registration will result in the progressive deactivation of the platform in Nepal, as directed by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. Platforms that complete the registration process will be reactivated immediately upon compliance.

Additionally, individuals, companies, or institutions intending to operate a social media platform in Nepal must submit an application to the ministry in the format prescribed in Schedule 1 of the Directives on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2023, along with required documents. They must also appoint the aforementioned designated officers within Nepal to ensure compliance.

The ministry has urged all stakeholders to adhere to the directive to avoid disruptions in the operation of social media platforms in the country.