4th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a strategic move to ensure its continued operation in Nepal, Hamro Patro has successfully registered as a social media platform with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT).
Hamro Patro’s Proactive Registration
This decision came on the same day the ministry issued a directive to deactivate all unregistered social media platforms in the country, a list that included Hamro Patro.
The Registration Drive and Its Context
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), following MoCIT’s order, instructed mobile and internet service providers to begin deactivating 16 social media platforms that had not completed the mandatory registration process. Hamro Patro, one of 26 platforms identified as being at risk, acted quickly to initiate the process.
Sujata Gautam, the CEO of Hamro Patro, confirmed the company’s prompt action. “This is the same day the ministry announced the deactivation of unregistered platforms, and Hamro Patro came forward for registration,” she stated. This swift response highlights the company’s intent to comply with Nepal’s regulatory framework and continue providing its services to its vast user base.
Why the Rush?
The government’s push to regulate social media platforms stems from a broader effort to ensure digital platforms comply with national laws. This initiative follows directives from the Supreme Court and the Council of Ministers, aiming to create a more accountable and secure online environment. NTA spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur confirmed that because Hamro Patro submitted its application, it would not be deactivated. He also noted that the deactivation of other platforms is a technical process and will take some time to complete.
While Hamro Patro is primarily known as a digital calendar and news aggregator, its inclusion in the list of social media platforms underscores the government’s broad definition of what constitutes a “social media platform.”
This classification likely relates to features that allow user interaction, such as its news and radio sections, where users can access, share, and comment on content. Hamro Patro’s proactive registration sets a precedent for other platforms operating in Nepal and reinforces the government’s commitment to enforcing its new regulations.
For more: Hamro Patro’s Proactive Registration