Nepal Tightens Social Media Regulation Amid Growing Concerns for Digital Rights
On 25 August 2025, Nepal’s Council of Ministers announced stricter measure to regulate social media platforms. As per this decision all social network operators must enlist with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) within seven days, and platforms that fail to enlist within the deadline will face gradual deactivation, but can be reactivated upon registration. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority will enforce the rules under MoCIT’s supervision.
Reinforcing the decision, the MOCIT issued a notification on 28 August 2025 linking it to a Supreme Court contempt case (Case No. 080-CF-0012). The notice requires all social media platforms—domestic and foreign—to register with the competent authority before operating in Nepal. The registration mandate includes appointing a Point of Contact, a Resident Grievance Handling Officer, and a Compliance Officer within Nepal. Any failure to comply within the seven-day timeframe will lead to progressive deactivation, while timely registrants will be swiftly reinstated.
This latest decision follows a series of government actions targeting social media. Since adopting the 2023 regulations, Nepal has banned TikTok for ten months and recently blocked Telegram nationwide. A Social Media Bill is under review, signaling a continued move towards tighter control. While intended to bolster regulatory oversight, these developments have sparked serious concerns about potential infringements on fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, association, press freedom, and overall digital rights in Nepal. As the government steps up its regulatory regime, the balance between governance and digital freedom remains a critical issue for Nepal’s online community and civil society.
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Clarification on National ID Requirement
The National Identity Card and Registration Department has clarified that children, dependent disabled individuals, helpless persons, and senior citizens over 90 can still access services without a national identity card. The reminder follows complaints that elderly and disabled citizens faced difficulties in obtaining social security allowances and other services due to mandatory ID rules. While the government made national IDs compulsory for various services on July 4, 2024, the department emphasized exceptions for vulnerable groups after reports of challenges at local levels. Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Digital Taxes, Nepal May Face Impact
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a warning about imposing new tariffs on countries that implement digital taxes or regulations that he deems discriminatory against American technology companies. His statement appears directed at the European Union’s stringent Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, despite recent trade discussions where the EU stood firm on maintaining these rules. Nepal, which currently applies a 2% digital service tax on major global tech giants including Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple, finds itself potentially at risk of facing higher U.S. tariffs. At present, the United States levies 10% tax on imports from Nepal. Additional tariffs would increase the financial pressure on Nepal’s exports to the U.S., potentially impacting its trade balance and economy.
This development underscores the growing tension in global tech regulation, with significant implications for countries and companies navigating the evolving landscape of digital taxation and international trade.
UN Launches Global Dialogue on AI Governance and Scientific Panel
On 26 August 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the General Assembly’s decision to establish the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI to strengthen international cooperation on artificial intelligence. Building on the 2024 Global Digital Compact, these mechanisms aim to harness AI’s benefits while addressing its risks. The Dialogue will serve as an inclusive forum for states and stakeholders, while the Scientific Panel will provide independent assessments to guide policy. An open call for Panel nominations will be launched soon, with its first report to be presented at the Dialogue’s inaugural sessions in 2026 (Geneva) and 2027 (New York). Guterres urged all stakeholders to support these initiatives to ensure AI serves the common good.
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Digital Rights Weekly is a week-based update on Digital Rights and ICT issues, that happened throughout the week, compiled and analyzed from the digital rights perspective by Digital Rights Nepal (DRN). DRN is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to the protection and promotion of digital rights, including the right to online freedom of expression and association, online privacy, access to information, and related issues such as internet governance, cyber laws/policies, and cyber securities in Nepal.
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| This publication has been produced with financial support from Norway. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Digital Rights Nepal and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Government of Norway. |
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