The decision was taken at a ministerial-level meeting chaired by Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung on Thursday, according to ministry sources.

KATHMANDU – The government has decided to block 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, citing a Supreme Court directive.

The decision was taken at a ministerial-level meeting chaired by Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung on Thursday, according to ministry sources. Although the decision has not yet been formally announced, it is expected to be enforced immediately through the Nepal Telecommunications Authority.

The government stated that the move is intended to implement the Supreme Court’s mandamus order as well as earlier Cabinet decisions.

Earlier, a joint bench of Justice Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shanti Singh Thapa had directed the government to restrict unregistered social media platforms, over-the-top (OTT) apps, and internet browsers that broadcast advertisements in Nepal. The court also ordered that foreign broadcasters obtain permission to operate in Nepal and instructed the government to draft the necessary regulations.