Social Media Guidelines and Directive in Nepal (2025)

social media guidelines and directives

Social media is no longer just a tool for connection  it’s a powerful force shaping public opinion, influencing politics, and impacting national security. Recognizing this reality, the Government of Nepal has introduced a forward-thinking Social Media Guidelines and Directive in Nepal 2025.

This landmark policy is designed to regulate the use of platforms like Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and others, ensuring that the digital space remains safe, responsible, and aligned with national values.

  1. What Does the Directive Cover? Definitions You Should Know

The directive clearly defines some important terms:

  • Social Media: Platforms allowing interaction, content sharing, and discussions (Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).
  • Use of Social Media: Posting, sharing, commenting, live-streaming, tagging all forms of user-generated activity.
  • Social Media Platforms: Any system that facilitates digital interaction.
  • Associated Bodies: Institutions like the Department of Information and Broadcasting, Press Council, Advertisement Board, and Nepal Telecommunications Authority.

In short: If you’re using or running anything digital that lets people talk and share, this applies to you.

  1. Enlistment of Social Media Platforms: No Listing, No Play

To legally operate in Nepal, social media companies must enlist through the Ministry.
Operators must submit:

  • Company registration and tax documents
  • Privacy policies
  • Technical competence proofs
  • Video-based KYC for online applications

Important:

  • Non-enlisted platforms will be banned.
  • Educational or socially empowering platforms might get an exemption.
  • Platforms must renew enlistment every three years.

  1. Prohibited Activities for Users: No More Free-for-All

The directive draws a hard line on what users cannot do:

  • Operate fake, anonymous, or deceptive accounts
  • Spread hate speech, discrimination, or misinformation
  • Engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or share explicit content
  • Encourage illegal acts like human trafficking, gambling, or drug abuse
  • Impersonate others, perform phishing, hacking, or other cybercrimes

  1. Platform Classification: Small vs. Large

Platforms are now classified based on user size:

  • Small Platforms: Fewer than 100,000 users
  • Large Platforms: 100,000+ users (must have a grievance officer and local contact in Nepal)

This ensures accountability scales with influence.

  1. Local Contact Points: Mandatory for Platforms

If you operate a platform and don’t have an office in Nepal yet the clock’s ticking:
You have 3 months to appoint a representative or open a local office.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Monitor content
  • Flag and report inappropriate activities
  • Spread awareness about responsible social media usage

  1. Responsibilities of Platform Operators: Clean Your House

Platform owners need to:

  • Build content-filtering algorithms
  • Remove flagged content within 24 hours of complaints
  • Protect user data and privacy
  • Actively publish educational material promoting safe usage

In other words: If you build the playground, you also have to supervise it.

  1. Responsibilities of Users: Act Like a Citizen

The Directive urges users to:

  • Respect national unity
  • Avoid spreading hate or inciting violence
  • Not use social media for illegal or damaging activities

You’re not just posting a meme  you’re participating in society.

  1. Role of the Ministry: The Digital Watchdog

The Ministry is tasked with:

  • Implementing policies
  • Coordinating among all stakeholders
  • Issuing updates, conducting studies, and hosting interactive programs
  • Rolling out additional directives when needed

The Ministry isn’t just regulating; it’s actively shaping Nepal’s digital future.

  1. Associated Bodies: Support and Enforcement

Institutions like the Press Council and Nepal Telecommunications Authority must:

  • Strengthen grievance handling
  • Submit quarterly transparency reports

Accountability won’t just be lip service it’s now operational.

  1. Raising Public Awareness: Knowledge is Power

The government plans massive awareness campaigns via:

  • TV and radio media
  • Conferences and workshops
  • Dedicated websites and online materials

  1. Social Media Management Unit: The First Line of Defense

A new unit under the Ministry will:

  • Handle unresolved complaints
  • Recommend legal reforms
  • Research trends and build capacity for future challenges

Nepal is future-proofing its approach to social media governance.

  1. Special Protection for Vulnerable Groups

Complaints from women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals will be prioritized.

This acknowledges that some groups face higher online risks and need faster protections.

  1. Power to Issue Further Instructions

The Ministry has authority to issue future updates to stay flexible and responsive as the digital world evolves.

In a rapidly changing tech landscape, agility isn’t optional it’s survival.

Final Thoughts: Why This Directive Matters?

Nepal’s Social Media Guidelines and Directive isn’t just about rules it’s about building a responsible, resilient digital society.
It balances freedom of expression with protection against abuse something most countries are still struggling to figure out.

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