What's Happening?
The Nepalese government has blocked access to 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, after the companies failed to comply with local registration requirements. The deadline for registration expired, prompting the government to take action. The registration process involves granting Nepalese authorities oversight of the platforms, which has been criticized as overly intrusive and akin to censorship. The move follows previous attempts by the government to regulate social media, which faced opposition from critics who argue it is an attempt to control online activity.
Why It's Important?
The blocking of major social media platforms in Nepal raises concerns about freedom of expression and government censorship. Social media is a crucial tool for communication and information sharing, and its restriction could impact public discourse and access to information. The government's actions may lead to increased use of VPNs and other methods to bypass the restrictions, highlighting the challenges of enforcing such bans. The situation reflects broader global debates about the balance between regulation and freedom of expression in the digital age.
