The Computer Association Nepal Federation (CAN Federation), a leading body in the information technology sector in Nepal, has expressed support for the government's primary objective of regulating social media through registration. While the Federation views the move to bring platforms within a legal framework as positive, it has urged caution regarding the potential impact of rendering them inactive.
The Federation highlighted that the absence of registration in Nepal has led to challenges in combating crime, misinformation, and personal security issues, partly due to the lack of formal liaison offices.
"We view the government's decision to introduce a social media registration process positively. It will help enhance user safety, contribute to cybercrime control, and increase revenue. However, shutting down crucial platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube all at once could severely impact education, business, communication, and the daily lives of general citizens," said CAN Federation President Sunaina Ghimire Pandey.
She warned that such an event also risks pushing Nepal behind digitally on a global scale. Emphasizing a phased approach, Pandey stressed the need for thorough discussion with stakeholders to find practical solutions.
According to the Federation, nearly 70% of Nepal's small and medium enterprises rely on social media for market expansion and customer contact. A large number of users also earn an income by hosting content on these platforms; a ban risks job losses and business closures. The Federation also noted that with Nepali migrant workers using these as a primary means to contact family, a block would negatively affect social connections and mental health.
President Pandey emphasized that deactivating social media should not be seen as an ultimate solution, and regulation should be a long-term strategy. The Federation stated that a lasting solution is only possible by establishing a clear legal framework, mandating a liaison point in Nepal, and creating an investment-friendly environment.
CAN Federation General Secretary Chandra Bilash Bhurtel stated that a social media shutdown would lead to a massive increase in VPN and Open DNS usage, posing a serious cyber security risk. The Federation stressed that Nepal should also develop a systematic and practical legal structure based on international practices.
The government has blocked 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, MeWe, VK, Line, Imo, Jalo, Sol, and Hamro Patro for not registering within the stipulated deadline, effective from last Thursday.
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has stated that among them, 'Hamro Patro' is already in the registration process and that X has also come into contact.
So far, only TikTok, Viber, Nimbuzz, BitTalk, and Poppo Live have been listed.
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