Nepal announced on Thursday that it will block several social media platforms that have failed to register with the government. The crackdown aims to prevent the spread of misinformation, cybercrime, and social unrest.
The government had set a Wednesday deadline for platforms to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Registration required companies to name a local contact, a grievance handler, and a person responsible for self-regulation. Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that some companies, including TikTok and Viber, have complied, but others, such as Facebook, have not.
The government says these platforms are being misused by users with fake IDs to spread rumors and hate speech. Roughly 90% of Nepal's 30 million people use the internet. While governments worldwide are increasing their oversight of social media, critics argue these measures can stifle free expression. However, Nepali officials maintain that stricter accountability is necessary to protect users and maintain social order.
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