19th July 2025, Kathmandu
In a decisive move to combat a surge in online fraud and serious criminal activities, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has issued an urgent directive to all internet service providers (ISPs) to immediately block access to the Telegram messaging application across Nepal.
Nepal Bans Telegram
This sweeping ban comes after extensive reports linking Telegram to a significant rise in financial scams, money laundering, and other illicit digital operations within the country.
The NTA’s public notice unequivocally states: “With the continuous increase in online fraud cases through the Telegram app and suspected involvement in serious crimes including money laundering, all telecommunications service providers are hereby directed to immediately restrict/block access to the Telegram app.” This drastic measure underscores the government’s growing concern over the platform’s alleged misuse.
The Genesis of the Ban: A Stringent Response to a Growing Threat
The decision to ban Telegram was not made in isolation. It follows a strong recommendation from the National Coordination Committee for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities, a body operating under the direct purview of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
This indicates a high-level consensus on the severity of the issue and the necessity of immediate action.
Authorities in Nepal have observed a disturbing trend of criminals exploiting Telegram’s privacy features and encrypted communications to carry out various fraudulent schemes. The breadth of these scams is alarming, ranging from deceptive investment opportunities to elaborate identity theft plots.
Types of Telegram-Based Frauds in Nepal
The NTA has highlighted at least 15 distinct types of Telegram-based fraud that have been plaguing Nepalese citizens:
Fake Investment Schemes: Scammers trick individuals into investing in fictitious lotteries, Bitcoin, or FOREX, promising unrealistic returns.
Fake Banking Support Chats: Impersonating bank representatives to solicit One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or sensitive account details.
Loan Scams: Offering easy loans, collecting processing fees, and then disappearing without disbursing funds.
Fake Product Sales: Advertising cheap electronics and gadgets, taking payments, but failing to deliver the promised items.
Donation Scams: Soliciting money under pretenses, such as for patients, accident victims, or disaster relief.
Fake Job Offers: Promising attractive employment opportunities and demanding deposits or processing fees.
Romance/Dating Scams: Building emotional connections through fake profiles and then manipulating victims for financial gain.
ID Verification Scams: Requesting personal KYC (Know Your Customer) or identification documents under the guise of account verification.
Crypto Scams: Persuading individuals to send money to cryptocurrency wallets for fake buying, selling, or trading activities.
Referral Bonus Fraud: Enticing users with promises of cash rewards for joining Telegram groups or channels, often leading to further scams.
Online Recharge/Payment Scams: Offering mobile top-ups or wallet transfers, taking payments without providing the service.
Fake Government Grant Scams: Claiming to assist in receiving government funds or grants and charging fees for form filling.
Fake NGO/INGO Scams: Using the names of international or local organizations to offer bogus scholarships or aid.
Legal Threat Scams: Sending fabricated legal notices or threats, demanding payment to settle non-existent cases.
Money Laundering & Hawala Networks: Utilizing the platform to facilitate illicit money transfers through informal channels.
High-Profile Incidents Fueling the Ban
The ban is also a direct response to several high-profile cybercrime incidents where Telegram was implicated. A notable case in December 2024 (Poush 2081) involved hackers breaching the F1Soft system, a prominent financial technology company, and stealing over NPR 35 million from Citizens Bank accounts. Investigations revealed that Telegram was instrumental in luring unsuspecting unemployed youth into this elaborate fraud scheme. Furthermore, the app is widely suspected of being a conduit for illegal drug transactions, adding another layer of concern for national security and public safety.
Global Context: Telegram’s Scrutiny and Pavel Durov’s Arrest
Nepal’s action aligns with a broader global scrutiny of Telegram. In September 2024 (Bhadra 2081), Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France, accused of enabling illegal transactions, drug trafficking, fraud, and the distribution of child abuse content through the platform.
Although released on bail, his arrest ignited a worldwide debate about the regulation of encrypted and anonymous communication platforms. Critics have even labeled Telegram a “dark web in everyone’s pocket” due to its robust privacy features, lack of user tracking, and potential for facilitating illicit trade – characteristics often associated with the internet’s hidden corners.
The Debate: Ban or Regulate?
While the NTA’s decision emphasizes immediate compliance to safeguard citizens, it also sparks a significant debate on the approach to digital regulation. Chiranjibi Adhikari, a prominent CEO and Tech Advocate in Nepal, firmly argues against banning technology or platforms. He asserts that such bans merely drive illicit activities further underground, making them harder to monitor and control.
Adhikari advocates for a more nuanced strategy centered on collaboration and education. He urges the NTA and the Government of Nepal to formally engage with Telegram’s security and compliance teams to develop robust content moderation mechanisms, establish clear reporting protocols, and ensure faster responses to user complaints. His stance underscores the belief that technology itself is not the enemy, but rather its misuse.
Furthermore, Adhikari highlights the critical role of public awareness and digital literacy. He recommends a nationwide campaign to educate Nepalese citizens on identifying scams, protecting personal data, and reporting abuse effectively. Such initiatives, he believes, would empower users without curtailing their digital freedom.
About Telegram
Telegram is a cloud-based, cross-platform instant messaging (IM) service founded by Russian brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov in 2013. Known for its speed, security, and emphasis on privacy, Telegram offers end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls, and optional end-to-end encrypted “secret chats” for more sensitive communications.
Key Features of Telegram:
Cloud-Based Synchronization: Messages and media are stored on Telegram’s servers, allowing users to access their chats from multiple devices simultaneously.
Channels: Public or private broadcasts to a large audience, used for news dissemination, community updates, or even entertainment.
Groups: Large group chats that can accommodate up to 200,000 members, featuring administrative tools, pinned messages, and message history.
Bots: Automated accounts that can perform various functions, from sending personalized notifications and playing games to integrating with other services.
File Sharing: Users can send files of any type and size, up to 2GB per file.
Secret Chats: Offer enhanced security with end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, screenshot prevention, and no forwarding.
Voice and Video Calls: Encrypted calls, both individual and group.
Privacy Focus: Telegram has long marketed itself on strong encryption and privacy, which has attracted a large user base concerned about data security.
Open API: Allows developers to create custom applications and integrations, fostering a vibrant ecosystem.
Telegram’s Global Reach and Controversies:
Telegram boasts nearly one billion users worldwide, making it one of the most popular messaging apps globally. Its strong privacy features have made it popular among journalists, activists, and individuals in regions with strict internet censorship. However, these very features have also made it a platform of choice for illicit activities, including extremist propaganda, illegal marketplaces, and, as seen in Nepal, widespread fraud.
The company’s resistance to sharing user data with authorities, citing privacy principles, has led to conflicts with governments worldwide. Countries like China have previously banned the app, and numerous other nations have expressed concerns over its use in criminal investigations. The arrest of Pavel Durov further amplified these debates, bringing into question the balance between user privacy and national security.
The Path Forward for Nepal
The ban on Telegram in Nepal marks a critical juncture in the country’s approach to digital governance. While addressing the immediate threat of online fraud and cybercrime is paramount, the long-term implications for digital freedom and innovation remain a key area of discussion. The challenge for Nepalese authorities will be to find a sustainable balance that protects their citizens from digital threats while fostering a secure and open digital environment. Education, collaboration with platform providers, and adaptive regulatory frameworks may offer a more comprehensive and enduring solution than outright bans.
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