Documents Required For Social Media Registration in Nepal
7th September 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal’s government has introduced a mandatory social media registration directive, 2080, requiring all platforms to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT).
Social Media Registration in Nepal
This directive, intended to regulate online activity and ensure a safer digital environment, has drawn attention to the specific requirements platforms must fulfill. This article provides a clear breakdown of the documents needed for social media registration in Nepal.
The Legal Framework and Its Purpose
The Social Media Regulation Directive, 2080, serves as the legal foundation for this registration process. It mandates that any social media platform operating in Nepal, whether local or foreign, must register with MoCIT. The primary goals are to:
Enhance User Protection: Safeguard user data and privacy.
Combat Cybercrime: Help law enforcement curb illegal online activities.
Generate Revenue: Establish a legal framework for tax collection from international companies.
Increase Transparency: Encourage platforms to have a local presence and be accountable.
Despite repeated notices, many prominent platforms like Facebook and YouTube have not yet complied, leading to government action against them.
Key Documents for Social Media Registration
According to Schedule 1 of the Directive, both domestic and foreign companies must submit a complete set of documents to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. This ensures that the platforms are officially recognized and adhere to the nation’s legal standards.
The essential documents include:
Company Registration Certificate: Official proof of the company’s legal existence.
Permanent Account Number (PAN/VAT): A tax identification number.
Company’s Constitution or By-Laws: Documents outlining the company’s operational rules and structure.
Details of the CEO or Authorized Representative: Personal and professional information of the platform’s key contact person.
Contact Office or Representative in Nepal: For foreign companies, evidence of a local presence is required to facilitate communication and compliance.
Privacy Policy: A clear statement on how user data is collected, used, and protected.
Content Management and User Security Policies: Documents detailing how the platform moderates content and ensures user safety.
Tax and Revenue Information: Financial records to ensure compliance with tax laws.
Completed Registration Form: The official form addressed to MoCIT, which initiates the registration process.
The Broader Impact of Registration
Registration is a critical step towards establishing a more structured and accountable digital ecosystem in Nepal. It helps ensure that platforms are not just operating but are also contributing to the country’s economy and adhering to its laws.
By requiring a local representative and clear policies, the government can better address user complaints and enforce regulations, creating a safer digital space for everyone. The debate over this directive highlights the balance between promoting a vibrant digital economy and ensuring online safety and legal compliance.
This video provides an overview of the social media registration process in Nepal, including the documents required. Enlistment and Registration of Social Media Platform in Nepal.
For more: Social Media Registration in Nepal
