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Nepal now ranks as the second-highest nation in South Asia for social media usage, with 43.5 percent of its population actively engaging on various platforms, according to DataReportal’s 2024 findings. Only the Maldives surpasses Nepal in the region, highlighting the country’s rapid digital transformation.
Yet this digital embrace comes with significant challenges. As Nepalis increasingly turn to social media, the platforms that once promised greater information access now serve as conduits for cyber scams, online bullying, misinformation, and societal division. From sophisticated deepfake videos of political figures to widespread phishing schemes, Nepal faces a digital crisis that has outpaced its regulatory, technical, and institutional capabilities.
In November 2023, then-Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s government temporarily banned TikTok, citing concerns about social disharmony and explicit content. The ban was lifted in August 2024 under Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s administration after TikTok’s parent company ByteDance agreed to register with the government and fulfill special conditions, including promoting Nepal’s tourism sector.
TikTok joined Viber and WeChat as the only major platforms registered with Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Meanwhile, industry giants like Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Alphabet (YouTube), and X (formerly Twitter) have consistently ignored the government’s registration requirements despite multiple warnings and deadlines.
This regulatory standoff highlights Nepal’s limited leverage in dealing with global tech companies. During a trek to Everest Base Camp in 2023, a conversation with Pablo Mendoza, then YouTube’s content partnerships lead for the Philippines, revealed the harsh reality: Nepal, despite high content consumption, remains a low priority for companies like YouTube and its parent Alphabet due to low monetization potential. Business decisions are ultimately driven more by revenue metrics than user engagement volume.
Against this backdrop, the Nepali government has introduced the controversial Social Media Bill 2081, which would require all platforms to register locally, appoint representatives, and adhere to strict content regulations. Violations could result in fines up to 2.5 million Nepali rupees ($18,300), while individuals found guilty of “social media offenses” – including defamation or acting “against national interest” – could face up to five years imprisonment.
The bill has sparked significant backlash. A social media campaign titled #LetUsSpeak, led by prominent digital influencers, has gained substantial traction. Civil society organizations, journalists, and international bodies have voiced serious concerns. UNESCO’s official review warned that the bill fails to meet international standards, while the Center for Law and Democracy criticized its vague definitions as easily exploitable.
This legislative push comes at a particularly challenging moment for Nepal’s digital landscape. The proliferation of AI-generated content has severely undermined public trust in online information. Even obviously satirical deepfake videos – such as those showing former and current prime ministers engaged in traditional “Dohori” singing battles – have blurred the lines between entertainment and misinformation due to low digital literacy rates.
More alarmingly, online scams have become pervasive. According to Nepal’s Cyber Bureau, over 19,000 cybercrime complaints were filed in the last fiscal year alone – a dramatic increase from previous periods. Fraudulent job offers, investment schemes, and cryptocurrency scams circulate widely on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, yet police struggle to address these crimes without cooperation from the platforms themselves.
For Nepal, blanket bans on major platforms represent both a political risk and practical challenge. Hundreds of thousands of media outlets now rely on social media for distribution, while urban small businesses depend on these platforms for commerce. A more balanced approach is necessary.
Experts suggest Nepal needs a comprehensive strategy that includes nationwide digital literacy campaigns, especially targeting rural and marginalized communities. According to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, over 80 percent of the population has internet access, but formal digital literacy education remains virtually nonexistent in public schools.
Additionally, establishing a dedicated public-private task force to monitor scam networks and AI misuse could help mitigate online threats. Such collaborative efforts have proven effective in countries like Indonesia and Estonia, where local expertise works alongside AI tools to identify potential threats in real-time.
Rather than negotiating with tech giants individually, Nepal might benefit from forming a regional alliance with neighboring countries facing similar challenges. A South Asia Digital Rights Coalition including Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan could increase collective bargaining power and potentially convince companies like Meta and Google to prioritize regional offices, local representatives, and compliance policies.
As Nepal navigates this complex digital landscape, the path forward requires more than just legislation – it demands strategic investment in awareness, trained personnel, and infrastructure to detect and counter the rising tide of misinformation that threatens the nation’s democratic foundations.
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18 Comments
Nepal’s rapid digital transformation is both an opportunity and a threat. While social media has empowered citizens, it has also enabled the spread of misinformation and societal division. Careful regulation, digital literacy programs, and platform accountability measures could help the country navigate this complex landscape.
Well-articulated. A nuanced approach that addresses both the benefits and risks of social media is crucial for Nepal as it continues its digital journey.
The rise of social media usage in Nepal highlights the need for a nuanced and adaptable regulatory framework. Banning platforms may provide temporary relief, but a more comprehensive strategy focusing on digital literacy, content moderation, and platform accountability could yield better long-term results.
I concur. A balanced approach that empowers citizens and collaborates with tech companies is likely to be more effective than blunt measures like bans.
The temporary TikTok ban in Nepal is a reactive measure that may not address the root causes of the country’s digital challenges. A more proactive, multi-stakeholder approach that involves citizens, tech companies, and policymakers could lead to more sustainable and effective solutions.
I agree. A collaborative effort that brings together different perspectives and expertise is more likely to produce holistic and long-lasting policies for regulating social media in Nepal.
Nepal’s digital transformation has been rapid, but the country’s regulatory response seems to be playing catch-up. Developing a comprehensive strategy that addresses misinformation, online harms, and platform accountability while protecting individual rights will be crucial for Nepal’s long-term digital resilience.
Well said. Effective social media regulation requires a nuanced, proactive, and collaborative approach. Nepal’s policymakers have their work cut out for them, but the stakes are high.
The challenges Nepal faces in regulating social media are not unique, but the country’s specific context and capabilities will require tailored solutions. Strengthening institutional frameworks, developing technical expertise, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration could be key to finding the right balance between digital rights and public safety.
Agreed. Nepal’s approach to social media regulation will be an important case study for other developing countries grappling with similar issues.
Nepal’s digital transformation is impressive, but the country’s regulatory capabilities seem to be lagging behind. Strengthening technical expertise and institutional frameworks should be a priority to effectively tackle emerging challenges like deepfakes and phishing schemes.
That’s a fair assessment. Developing the right skills and resources to keep pace with rapidly evolving digital threats will be crucial for Nepal as it continues its digital journey.
The temporary TikTok ban in Nepal highlights the government’s attempts to address social media’s negative impacts. However, outright bans may not be the best long-term solution. Collaborative efforts with tech companies could lead to more nuanced and effective policies.
I agree. A collaborative approach between authorities and platforms is more likely to produce sustainable solutions that protect citizens while respecting digital rights.
Nepal’s rapid digital transformation is both a blessing and a curse. While social media has empowered citizens, it has also enabled cyber scams, misinformation, and societal division. Careful regulation is needed to balance these competing interests.
You raise a good point. Striking the right balance between free expression and responsible platform governance is a delicate challenge that many countries are grappling with.
Nepal’s digital transformation is a double-edged sword. While social media has democratized information access, it has also enabled the spread of misinformation and societal division. Addressing these challenges requires a delicate balance between protecting individual rights and ensuring public safety.
Well said. Navigating the complexities of social media regulation is a challenge faced by many countries. Nepal’s approach will be an interesting case study to watch.