Civil Society Calls for Rights-Based and Transparent Social Media Regulation in Nepal

As the Government of Nepal’s seven-day grace period for major social media platforms to comply with national regulations approaches its end, civil society organizations are voicing serious concerns about the government’s approach to digital governance. Under the Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X are required to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, appoint liaison officers in Nepal, and implement systems for handling user complaints and content moderation. To date, only TikTok, Viber, S.a.r.L., and Sarans Media Pvt. Ltd (Weetok) have complied. The government has warned that non-compliance could result in bans and is conducting an impact assessment to evaluate the potential consequences. Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung has stated that the intent is not to impose immediate restrictions, but to enforce accountability and promote a safe digital environment.
In response, Digital Rights Nepal convened a coalition of 31 civil society organizations, digital rights advocates, and media groups to release a joint public statement urging the government to:

• Refrain from actions that violate constitutional rights or Nepal’s international human rights obligations;
• Ensure that any regulation of digital platforms is transparent, inclusive, and rooted in democratic principles;
• Initiate meaningful dialogue with civil society, platform representatives, and technical experts before taking enforcement actions.

The coalition highlighted that the current directive lacks legal clarity and strong enforcement mechanisms, especially concerning ongoing parliamentary discussions on a draft Social Media Bill. They warned that abrupt enforcement—absent public consultation—risks undermining freedom of expression, access to information, and digital rights. The joint statement also calls on social media companies to engage constructively with the government and civil society, maintain transparency, and uphold democratic and human rights standards
As Nepal moves forward in shaping its digital regulatory framework, civil society emphasizes the need for balanced, rights-based approaches that ensure platform accountability without compromising the country’s democratic values and fundamental freedoms.

For detail press release, click here