Kathmandu, September 4
On Thursday, the government decided to block social media platforms such as Facebook and X, citing that they have not been registered. Last week, the government had given a seven-day period for registration. However, as registration did not occur within that time, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has instructed the Telecommunications Authority to block social media platforms that are not registered.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology had stated that platforms must appoint a contact point, an officer to address user complaints, and an official to monitor compliance with self-regulation within seven days. Since this did not happen, the government decided to impose a ban on 26 various social media platforms.
So far, five platforms namely, TikTok, Viber, Nimbuzz, WeTalk, and Opolite, have completed registration. Telegram and GlobalLink are in the registration process.
As social media has become a lifestyle for ordinary people, blocking it can have significant effects.
A few days ago, experts shared their views with Onlinekhabar on the potential impacts of blocking social media. According to them, such a block could have at least the following four immediate effects:
1. Cybersecurity risks
Cybersecurity expert Rajiv Subba has stated that blocking social media could increase cybersecurity risks. He explained that human nature drives people to seek alternatives when something is blocked, and in context of the ban of social media, it will lead the people to increase use of VPNs. In countries like Nepal, where cybersecurity awareness is low, this can significantly raise risks.
According to Subba, when TikTok was blocked, many users used various free VPNs, which are often unregulated and unsafe. Free VPNs can collect users’ screenshots, keyboard data, and passwords, potentially leading to banking fraud and cybercrime.
Since these VPNs are “non-attributable,” it is difficult to hold criminals accountable. There have been many incidents of cybercrime via VPNs during TikTok bans. Subba emphasized that when citizens look for alternatives, the likelihood of falling victim to cyber risks increases, and criminals actively exploit such opportunities.
2. Impact on social relationships and connections
Hundreds and thousands of Nepalis live abroad, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. Social media has become the most important tool for maintaining their connection with Nepal and their families. Sociologist Meena Paudel says that blocking social media could have a substantial impact in this regard.
According to her, millions of Nepali workers abroad and their families could experience emotional and social strain. Social media helps connect migrant workers with their families, society, and culture. If platforms are blocked, these emotional connections weaken, potentially increasing depression, loneliness, and psychological stress.
3. Shock to businesses and startups
Currently, many businesses rely heavily on social media. Its closure could affect Nepal’s informal economy. Social media has become the largest marketing platform, and even without official statistics, both consumers and sellers increasingly depend on it. People rely on social media for purchasing goods or finding services, so blocking it removes a major marketing channel.
Recently, social media has also become the main platform for youth to start low-cost startups, enabling them to engage in content marketing and business activities. Blocking social media would negatively affect this sector.
Business owners believe that if platforms like Facebook and Instagram are blocked, Nepali startups and the informal economy would suffer major setbacks. Economist Chandramani Adhikari noted that social media is a primary marketing foundation for both small and large businesses as well as startups.
According to the 2018 economic census by the National Statistics Office, Nepal has 923,000 businesses, of which 49% are informal and unregistered. These businesses expand their markets, advertise, and generate income through social media. Similarly, an International Finance Corporation (IFC) study showed that the informal sector contributes 38% to the economy.
4. Restriction on freedom of expression
Blocking social media also restricts freedom of expression. Media researcher and director of the Centre for Media Research, Ujjwal Acharya, stated that blocking social media harms both freedom of expression and social connectivity.
Social media has become a primary means of communication, expression, and business activity for Nepalis. Blocking it without alternatives curtails expression. For many, social media is now a major communication channel, and its closure reduces both freedom of expression and the ability to communicate. It has also helped people raise their voices against irregularities and other issues.
