How to Register a Social Media Platform in Nepal: Step-by-Step Guide

1. How to Register a Social Media Platform in Nepal: Step-by-Step Guide: Why Registration Is Now Mandatory

Supreme Court Directive: In mid-August 2025, Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered that all online platforms must register with the government and operate within its legal framework. How to Register a Social Media Platform in Nepal: Step-by-Step Guide.
Directive Timeline:
- August 25, 2025: Cabinet issued a directive requiring all social media platforms to register within seven days.
- August 28, 2025: Deadline officially took effect.
- September 3, 2025: Deadline passed; non-compliant platforms faced deactivation.
Ban Enforced: Starting September 4, 2025, Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) instructed ISPs to block access to unregistered platforms.
Platforms Registered: TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, Poppo Live, Hamro Patro, and X (late compliance) have been permitted to continue operating. Medha Law and Partners Is a leading law firm in Nepal.

All platforms (foreign or domestic) must establish a presence in Nepal—liaison office preferred.
No minimum capital specified, but governed by the Companies Act.
Appoint:
- A local contact point
- A Grievance Officer to handle complaints
- A Compliance Officer for legal/regulatory liaison

Submit your application online (e.g., via official ministry email) or physically at the Ministry’s office in Kathmandu.
The Social Media Management Unit within MoCIT processes and reviews applications.

For Foreign Platforms:

For Nepal-based Companies (if applicable):

Platforms with 100,000+ users are treated as “Large” and require enhanced compliance mechanisms, data protection, and dedicated personnel.
Smaller platforms (under 100k) have simplified registration.

Platforms must register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and pay:
- Digital Service Tax (DST): roughly 2% of revenue from Nepali users.
- VAT: 13% if annual turnover exceeds NPR 3 million.
In FY 2023/-24, major global platforms collectively paid several crores in DST.

Content Moderation: Remove prohibited content (hate speech, misinformation, national-security threats) within 24 hours of complaint.
Data Protection: Ensure user privacy and secure systems.
Grievance Mechanism: Provide timely, transparent redress process.
Reporting: Submit periodic reports to MoCIT, including:
- Security breach notifications
- Content moderation logs
- Annual registration renewal (every 3 years)

Continue annual renewal and compliance upkeep.
Monitor new regulations—such as the upcoming Social Media Bill currently in Parliament.
Be prepared to comply with takedown orders and legal requests promptly.

Stage	Action	Documents / Details
1	Establish Liaison Profile	Company Reg. Cert, MOA/AOA (if Nepali), local rep details
2	Appoint Officers	Grievance Officer, Compliance Officer, Local Contact
3	Submit Application	Online email / physical submission to MoCIT (Social Media Unit)
4	Provide Documentation	See above (“Foreign” vs “Nepal-based” list)
5	Pay Taxes	DST 2%, VAT 13% (if revenue > 3M) via IRD
6	Build Compliance Systems	Content moderation, grievance handling, privacy/security
7	Receive Approval	Official enlistment issued by MoCIT; platform unblocked
8	Maintain Compliance	Annual renewal (every 3 yrs), reports, breach notifications

Quick turnaround: In some cases, platforms submitted documents and moved forward in just 24 hours.
Fast communication: The Ministry responds quickly to registration-related inquiries.
Civil liberties concern: Some critics warn this could curb free speech and press freedom.
Economy hit: Many small businesses and content creators rely on these platforms. The ban disrupted commerce and livelihoods.
Stay informed: A bill is pending in Parliament to further regulate social media with penalties for violating national sovereignty or social harmony. online company registration in Nepal.