Kathmandu, Apr 25 (PTI) The Nepal government on Friday warned Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, that it either register under the Nepalese law within seven days or face a nationwide ban.
Speaking at a programme organised by the National Information Commission, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung said that despite repeated requests, Meta has failed to comply with Nepal’s legal requirement to register its operations in the country.
Noting that the time given under the third notice has also expired a few days ago, Gurung warned Meta that if it fails to register within seven days, it will be banned.
“Meta’s Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram are in operation in Nepal. Every hour, thousands of rupees may be flowing from Nepal to Meta’s office (abroad). Meta should be registered in Nepal.
“I cannot extend the deadline any further — Meta must register within seven days, or it will be banned,” the minister warned.
The government has argued that tech giants operating in Nepal should be legally accountable under local laws, including taxation, consumer protection, and data governance provisions.
According to local media reports, Ruzan Sarwar, Meta’s Public Policy Manager for the Asia-Pacific region, and a liaison officer have reportedly arrived in Nepal. However, they are yet to officially contact the relevant authorities in Kathmandu. PTI SBP SCY
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