In a surprising turn of events, only three social media platforms have officially registered in Nepal as per the latest government updates. While Nepal continues to digitize its economy and communication infrastructure, tech giants like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) remain unregistered, raising concerns over regulation, accountability, and data governance.
As of now, the only platforms that have successfully fulfilled Nepal’s social media registration requirements are:
- Viber
- TikTok
- Saransa Media Lab Pvt. Ltd. (operating under brands like Weetok or BitTalk)
These platforms have complied with the nation’s regulatory framework by setting up local contact points, appointing grievance handling officers, and assigning compliance monitoring officers, as reported in New Business Age.
Nepal’s Push for Social Media Accountability
The Nepalese government has been advocating for the registration of social media platforms since early 2024, emphasizing the importance of digital accountability. In response to increasing cases of online abuse, misinformation, and data privacy concerns, authorities introduced a registration mandate that requires platforms to establish local legal presence and provide clear channels for addressing user grievances.
However, despite repeated appeals from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, global platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X have yet to register. This noncompliance has drawn criticism and has led to discussions on whether the government should consider restricting unregistered platforms.
A comprehensive breakdown of the legal framework can be found on LawGandhi, detailing how the law aims to bring foreign tech giants under local jurisdiction.
Who Has Registered and Why?
Among the registered platforms, TikTok stands out. According to The Kathmandu Post, the popular video-sharing app has not only complied with registration but has also invested in community engagement and content moderation. This move follows global scrutiny over the app’s data practices and is seen as a proactive step to build trust with both users and regulators.
Viber, widely used for private messaging in Nepal, has also complied, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy and legal alignment. Meanwhile, Saransa Media Lab Pvt. Ltd., a local company with growing user bases through its platforms Weetok and BitTalk, has positioned itself as a homegrown alternative with full regulatory compliance.
These platforms have recognized the value of transparency, especially in a digital age where misinformation and online threats pose real societal risks.
The Global Giants’ Silence
The absence of key players like Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) and X Corp. from the official registry is concerning. According to Ekantipur, their noncompliance not only violates the directives but also undermines Nepal’s efforts to ensure digital sovereignty and user protection.
The issue has raised debates over whether Nepal should follow in the footsteps of countries like India and Australia, which have enforced content moderation and data localization laws to hold platforms accountable. A government-approved bill addressing these matters was recently covered by The Kathmandu Post.
What Does This Mean for Users?
For the average Nepali social media user, this regulatory gap means fewer assurances regarding data privacy, content protection, and complaint redressal. With over 13 million active social media users in Nepal, as detailed in the 2025 Digital Report by DataReportal, the risks of cyberbullying, misinformation, and digital scams continue to loom large.
On the flip side, registered platforms are more likely to offer localized support, respond to user issues faster, and operate under the scope of Nepali law, giving users more control and protection over their digital interactions.
Related Coverage from The Informed Gazette
Nepal’s ongoing struggle with social media regulation ties into broader discussions about digital policy and sovereignty. For more in-depth analysis, check out:
Conclusion: A Call for Digital Responsibility
The fact that only three platforms—Viber, TikTok, and Saransa Media Lab—have officially registered in Nepal highlights a serious gap in digital governance. While some tech companies have embraced accountability, the silence from global giants reveals a reluctance to operate under local legal frameworks.
As Nepal continues to expand its digital footprint, it becomes ever more critical for all platforms to respect local laws and contribute to a safer, more responsible online space for all users.
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