4th Feb 2025, Kathmandu
The Government of Nepal has reinforced its directive for social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and LinkedIn to register under the “Guidelines for Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080.” The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) has once again urged these platforms to comply with national regulations to ensure accountability and a safer digital space in Nepal.
Social Media Registration Now
Mandatory Registration for Social Media Platforms in Nepal
On Monday, the Ministry issued a renewed notice emphasizing the importance of social media entities registering with the government. As per Clause 3 of the “Directive for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023,” any individual, company, or organization intending to operate a social media platform in Nepal must formally enlist with MoCIT and appoint a local contact representative.
In addition, Article 6 of the directive mandates that every social media platform operating in Nepal must establish a designated point of contact within the country. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the government banning non-compliant platforms from operating in Nepal.
Objectives of Social Media Regulation in Nepal
The primary goal of this directive is to enhance digital governance, protect user privacy, and regulate content that may disrupt social harmony. The Council of Ministers has assigned specific responsibilities to social media platforms operating in Nepal, which include:
Promoting Tourism: Assisting in promoting Nepal’s tourism sector through digital platforms.
Enhancing Cybersecurity and Digital Literacy: Supporting initiatives that improve digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness across Nepal.
Advancing Education: Contributing to the digital transformation of Nepal’s education sector by enhancing the quality of education in schools and colleges.
Content Moderation and Filtering: Implementing technologies to filter and moderate content in Nepali and other national languages, while working with authorities to remove unlawful or inappropriate content.
Government’s Strategy for Compliance
The Ministry has highlighted that compliance with these provisions is essential for a safe and well-regulated digital environment in Nepal. To implement these guidelines, MoCIT will collaborate with relevant authorities to monitor and enforce the following requirements:
Registration Before Offering Services: Social media platforms must officially register before operating in Nepal.
Monitoring and Removing Objectionable Content: Platforms must establish a mechanism to track and remove harmful or unlawful content.
User Privacy and Data Security: Companies must prioritize user data protection and security.
Local Representation: Platforms must set up a local office, appoint a resident grievance officer, and designate an authority responsible for self-regulation compliance.
Conclusion
The Government of Nepal is committed to fostering a responsible digital ecosystem by ensuring that social media platforms adhere to national regulations. Stakeholders are encouraged to comply with the “Guidelines for Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080” to continue their operations in Nepal.
