The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has issued a notice requiring social media companies like Meta and X to register in Nepal within one month.
Issuing a press note on Thursday, the ministry has stated that only three companies have registered so far, and demanded that the remaining companies register in Nepal within a month.
Clause 3 of the "Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023" stipulates the person, company or institution willing to operate social network platform shall enlist the network with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology under these Directives.
Registered companies or organizations are required to establish a contact point within Nepal, a resident grievance officer, and an officer to monitor self-regulation compliance.
According to the guidelines, Viber, TikTok, and Saramsh Media Lab Pvt. Ltd. have registered and are currently operating.
"All social media platforms operating in Nepal, other than the aforementioned, are hereby informed through this notice to register with this Ministry within 30 days as per the "Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023" and to also establish a contact point within Nepal," reads the notice issued by the Ministry.
The ministry has warned that if social media platforms fail to register within the stipulated time, they may be banned from operating in Nepal as per sub-clause 7 of clause 3 of the Directives.
.
