The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over the government’s decision to shut down social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube that failed to register in Nepal under the new directives.

In a press statement issued on Friday, NHRC Spokesperson Tikaram Pokharel said the blanket ban not only affects millions of users but also undermines the spirit of democratic governance and human rights.

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), following a directive from its line ministry, on Thursday released a list of 26 platforms to be blocked. Among them are Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, VK, Line, IMO, Zalo, Soul, and Hamro Patro.

The commission noted that while the state has the authority to regulate and register service providers, suspending widely used platforms that have become integral to Nepalis’ communication and expression infringes on constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, communication, and the right to information.

It further highlighted that the decision contravenes international human rights standards, including Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), both of which safeguard freedom of expression.

The NHRC urged the government to review its decision and adopt alternative measures to regulate and manage social media platforms without violating fundamental rights.

It stressed that any step to control online spaces must ensure citizens’ ability to exercise constitutionally and internationally protected freedoms.

“Social media is now an inseparable part of citizens’ lives. Any decision to restrict must be carefully assessed for its long-term impact on rights, governance, and democracy,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, issuing a separate statement, the Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES) Nepal has also objected to the government’s decision to ban the social media platforms.

The organisation has said there is no dispute on the need for legal arrangements on social media operations. But the social media platforms should be restored as it is until a law is formulated, it said.