The Nepal government has suspended the operation of most social networks. Medianews.az reports that the reason is the refusal of these platforms to register officially in the country.
The Minister of Communications and Information of Nepal stated that although approximately twenty widely used social networks in the country were repeatedly warned, they did not register. As a result, "Facebook," "X" (formerly "Twitter"), "YouTube," and other platforms have been blocked.
The operation of registered "TikTok," "Viber," and three other social networks has been permitted.
The Nepal government requires companies to open representation in the country or at least establish a contact office. At the same time, a draft law aimed at ensuring the management, responsibility, and accountability of social platforms has been submitted to parliament.
The draft has not been fully discussed yet and has caused wide criticism. The opposition and human rights defenders call the document a tool for censorship and a means for the government to silence critics.
Human rights defenders believe that the new rules restrict freedom of expression and violate citizens' fundamental rights.
Officials, however, state that control over social networks is necessary. According to their argument, both users and platform operators must be responsible for the content disseminated and shared.
Toğrul Əli,
Medianews.az
