On September 4, 2025, Nepal made global headlines when it suddenly banned 26 of the most popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X (Twitter). This move shocked locals, travelers, and the Nepali diaspora around the world. Overnight, the online platforms that millions of people use for communication, entertainment, business, and travel updates stopped working inside the country.
The government explained that these platforms were blocked because they failed to register with Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) as required under the Social Media Directives 2080. The Supreme Court of Nepal had earlier ordered that all platforms must register to ensure accountability and legal compliance.
At Breeze Adventure, we know that staying connected matters to every traveler. Whether you’re arranging a trek in the Himalayas, contacting your guide, or sharing photos with family, communication tools are essential. This guide explains what happened, which apps are still available, how the ban affects locals and tourists, and the safe alternatives you can use while in Nepal.
Why Did Nepal Ban Social Media?
The ban is not random—it’s the result of months of government notices and legal requirements.
- In 2023, the government introduced the Social Media Directives 2080, requiring every platform to:
- Register with MoCIT.
- Appoint a representative or liaison office in Nepal.
- Provide a complaint-handling system for Nepali users.
- Follow national laws on content and data protection.
- The Supreme Court later reinforced this by ordering the government to ensure platforms follow the law.
- MoCIT sent five official notices to global tech companies, including Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) and Google (YouTube), but they did not respond.
- Finally, in August 2025, the government gave a final 7-day deadline. When companies ignored it, Nepal decided to ban them starting September 4, 2025.
The government’s main justification is that this ban will help reduce cybercrime, fake IDs, scams, and misinformation while ensuring accountability.
Which Apps Are Blocked in Nepal?
A total of 26 social media and communication platforms are currently blocked. These include:
- Meta apps: Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads
- Google app: YouTube
- Others: X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Reddit, Snapchat, Signal, Pinterest, Discord, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, VK, Line, IMO, Zalo, Soul, Hamro Patro.
Which Apps Still Work in Nepal?
The good news is that some platforms did register with the government and continue to operate:
- TikTok
- Viber
- WeTalk
- Nimbuzz
- Poppo Live
Other apps like Telegram and Global Diary are currently under review.
How Are People Reacting to the Nepal Social Media Ban?
Locals
For many Nepalis, the ban was a shock. Some posted their “final photos” or farewell messages on Facebook and Instagram before the ban took effect. The sudden loss of daily communication tools has left people frustrated.
Businesses
Small businesses that depend on Facebook and Instagram to sell products are struggling. For example, a local bakery in Kathmandu reported losing most of its customer communication channels overnight and is now trying to redirect clients to Viber.
Content Creators
Thousands of Nepali creators who earned income from YouTube or Facebook monetization lost their revenue streams. Many are uncertain about their future.
Human Rights Concerns
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and rights groups have criticized the ban, saying it violates the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
What About Tourists in Nepal after the Social Media Ban?
If you’re visiting Nepal, this ban will affect how you communicate:
- WhatsApp (commonly used by travelers for guides and hotels) is blocked.
- Facebook and Instagram (for sharing travel photos) are unavailable.
- YouTube (for travel tips and trekking vlogs) doesn’t work.
Alternatives for Travelers
- Download Viber before you arrive—it’s the main app locals now use.
- Use TikTok for updates and entertainment.
- Rely on email for professional communication.
- Get a local SIM card—most Nepali carriers promote Viber.
- Follow official tourism websites for real-time updates.
At Breeze Adventure, we recommend all our trekking and travel clients install Viber and TikTok in advance to make communication smoother during their trip.
Can You Still Use VPNs to Access Facebook?
Many people immediately turned to VPN apps to access blocked platforms. While VPNs may work, experts and police have issued warnings:
- Free VPNs can steal your data or install malware.
- VPNs may slow down your internet and aren’t always reliable.
- Nepal Police Cyber Bureau has cautioned against using unsafe VPNs.
So while VPNs are technically possible, they come with security risks.
How can we stay connected during a trek in Nepal?
Even with the 2025 social media ban, it’s still possible to stay connected while trekking in Nepal. The best options are:
- Viber & WeTalk – These apps are still available and widely used by locals, guides, and hotels. Make sure you download them before your trek.
- TikTok – Remains accessible for updates and sharing short videos from your journey.
- Email – Reliable for longer updates to family or for confirming bookings.
- Local SIM cards (NTC or Ncell) – Provide mobile coverage in many trekking regions, though the signal gets weaker at higher altitudes.
- Wi-Fi in teahouses – Most lodges in the Everest and Annapurna regions sell Wi-Fi access for messaging and calls.
So, while you can’t use WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram right now, alternatives like Viber and email make communication during trekking quite easy.
Is it possible to stay in touch with family while trekking in Nepal?
Yes, you can stay in touch with family even during the ban, but you’ll need to use the apps that are still working:
- Viber allows free calls and texts over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Email is a dependable way to keep family updated, especially when internet speeds are slow.
- TikTok can be used for short updates if you want to share moments.
- On more remote trails, you may have to rely on sporadic mobile signals or lodge Wi-Fi cards. For very remote treks, some trekkers carry satellite devices for emergency communication.
At Breeze Adventure, we encourage trekkers to download Viber before their trip and share our office contacts with family members. That way, loved ones back home have a backup line of communication if they can’t reach you directly.
Why TikTok Survived the Ban?
Interestingly, TikTok was spared, even though other countries have criticized it. The reason? TikTok followed Nepal’s rules. It registered with MoCIT, appointed a representative in Nepal, and set up a complaint-handling system.
What Happens Next after the Nepal Social Media Ban?
The government has said that any blocked platform can return immediately if it registers. This means that apps like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube could be restored the same day they agree to follow Nepali law.
At the same time, a new Social Media Regulation Bill is being prepared in Parliament. This law may introduce penalties and fines for harmful content, but rights groups worry it could also open the door to more censorship.
Breeze Adventure’s Advice for Social Media Ban
For now, here’s how you can stay connected in Nepal during the ban:
- Install Viber and TikTok before your trip.
- Use email as a backup.
- Save important contacts offline (guides, hotels, travel agents).
- Follow local news portals for updates on the ban.
- Be cautious with VPNs—safety comes first.
Stay Connected with Breeze Adventure
Even with the social media ban, you can still reach us easily through the platforms that remain active in Nepal:
- Contact Breeze Adventure Viber – for instant messages and calls.
- Contact Breeze Adventure TikTok – follow our updates, travel tips, and behind-the-scenes trekking moments.
- Contact Breeze Adventure Email – for bookings, inquiries, or professional communication.
We’re here to help you plan your trek, answer your questions, and make your journey in Nepal smooth and memorable.
Conclusion
The Nepal Social Media Ban 2025 has created uncertainty, but it’s also a reminder of how important digital platforms have become in our lives. For locals, it has disrupted communication and business. For travelers, it means preparing differently before visiting Nepal.
The ban may not last forever—platforms like Facebook and YouTube could return once they comply with Nepal’s registration rules. Until then, apps like Viber, TikTok, and WeTalk will be the main tools for staying connected.
At Breeze Adventure, we’ll continue to keep travelers and adventure lovers updated about important changes in Nepal. Our goal is to ensure that your trekking or travel experience remains smooth, safe, and memorable—even in the digital age.
References
The Kathmandu Post (2025a). Nepal’s social media ban explained in six questions. Retrieved from kathmandupost.com
The Kathmandu Post (2025b). Confusion as Nepal bans unregistered social media sites. Retrieved from kathmandupost.com
The Kathmandu Post (2025c). NHRC urges government to reconsider social media ban. Retrieved from kathmandupost.com
IndiaTimes (2025). Nepal bans Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, spares TikTok. Retrieved from indiatimes.com
TechCrunch (2025). Nepal blocks Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X amid censorship concerns. Retrieved from techcrunch.com
