The Government of Nepal has decided to shut down 26 different social media platforms.
In accordance with the Supreme Court order regarding the regulation of social media, the government has come forward with these bold but arguable steps.
According to the government’s decision, various 26 social media platforms operating in Nepal have been asked to be shut down.
In this regard, on Thursday, in a letter issued by the Nepal Telecommunication Authority signed by the Deputy Director of the Authority, Surya Prasad Lamichhane has written to mobile and internet service providers asking to deactivate those social platforms being operated in Nepal without listing or registration in the government’s list.
‘In accordance with the decision of the Ministerial Meeting of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology dated 2082/05/19 and the Directive on Managing the Use of Social Media, 2080, information has been provided as per the decision for the arrangement to deactivate the social media platforms operating in Nepal without being listed in Nepal,’ the authority said in a statement.
Meanwhile, various authorities have expressed serious concern over the government’s decision to close social media saying social media platforms are synonymous with freedom of expression and press too. It is an unconstitutional and anti-democratic movement.
They also urged the Nepal government to withdraw this objectionable decision of shutting down various popular social media.
According to the letter sources, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram YouTube, X, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, MeWe, VK, Line Imo, Zalo, Soul and Hamro Patro will be no more in operation until it is registered in the government list.
Social media are advanced technologies based on the internet that helps users to create and share content, engage in online with friends, family, communities and others globally. It also includes websites, apps, and other platforms that allow users to share information and ideas including text, photos, videos, and more.
It facilitates use for personal connection, news dissemination, entertainment, and business marketing promotional activities with the creation, sharing and aggregation of content networking.
As sources added, over 5 billion people globally use social media for personal use or professional activities.
