A group of 28 civil society organizations has condemned the Nepal Telecommunications Authority’s (NTA) ban on Telegram, calling it a violation of constitutional provisions.
The directive, issued on July 18, 2025 at the request of security agencies, cites concerns over fraud and money laundering but lacks transparency and legal justification.
The groups argue that the ban infringes on fundamental rights laid down in Articles 17 and 19 of the Constitution of Nepal, which guarantee freedom of expression and communication.
"… such a unilateral ban not only limits citizens’ rights to choose their means of communication but also seriously obstructs the overall flow of information and communication," reads the press note issued by the civil society organizations.
They highlight that blanket restrictions undermine digital inclusion and contradict Supreme Court guidance, which previously ruled against arbitrary social media bans.
Signatory Organizations
- Digital Rights Nepal (DRN)
- Digital Rights Action Group (DRAG)
- Freedom Forum
- Digital Media Foundation
- Media Action Nepal
- Center for Media Research – Nepal
- ChildSafeNet
- Body & Data
- Online TV Journalists Association Nepal
- Information and Human Rights Research Center (IHRC)
- Media Kurakani
- Advocacy Forum Nepal
- Amnesty International Nepal
- Media Advocacy Group
- Artificial Intelligence Association of Nepal (AIAN)
- National Policy Forum (NPF)
- Nepal Digital Lead
- Women Leaders in Technology (WLiT)
- MeroAdda®
- Justice and Rights Institute Nepal (JURI Nepal)
- Yuwalaya
- Dignity Initiative
- Speak Up Nepal
- Voices of Women Media
- Accountability Lab Nepal
- Nepal Internet Foundation
- Open Internet Nepal (Internet Society Nepal Chapter)
- Aalawya Foundation ( Aalawya Nepal)
.
