When connected to PureVPN, all internet traffic is encrypted and routed through secure servers located outside Nepal. This makes it technically impossible for local internet providers or authorities to see which apps or websites a user is accessing.
Nepal has begun restricting access to several global social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn, after the companies failed to meet government registration requirements.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology enforced the ban on Thursday, following a seven-day deadline that expired on Wednesday. Officials said the platforms were required to register locally, designate a grievance handler, and appoint a contact person responsible for self-regulation.
#Nepal on Thursday banned social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube among others for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline.https://t.co/Vvp92SRYgI pic.twitter.com/p8Rj58W0ZY
— The Tribune (@thetribunechd) September 4, 2025
“Unregistered social media platforms will be deactivated today onwards,” ministry spokesman Gajendra Kumar Thakur told AFP. Communications and IT Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung added, “We gave them enough time to register and repeatedly requested them to comply with our request, but they ignored [this], and we had to shut their operations in Nepal.”
According to reports, the restrictions stem from a Supreme Court directive mandating that both domestic and foreign online platforms register with Nepali authorities before continuing operations. Only a handful, including TikTok and Viber, have complied so far.
Digital rights advocates have criticized the move, warning of negative consequences for free expression. Bhola Nath Dhungana, president of Digital Rights Nepal, said the abrupt closures show the government’s “controlling” approach. Opposition leaders also voiced concern, with Hit Raj Pandey of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) stating, “Regulation is necessary, but if social media is shut down, the country will become chaotic.”
Whatever the govt does, I stand with the Supreme Court. If foreign tech firms earn millions from Nepal, they must register under Nepali law, pay taxes, and ensure accountability. pic.twitter.com/IPlaZfmlOI
— Vikram Tripathi 🇳🇵 (@mr_spy04) September 5, 2025
This is not the first time Nepal has restricted digital services. In July, access to Telegram was blocked over concerns related to fraud and money laundering. Last year, TikTok faced a nine-month ban before resuming operations after agreeing to government regulations.
Accessing Social Media in Nepal With PureVPN
Despite the restrictions, Nepali users can still access blocked platforms through VPN services. PureVPN allows people to connect to servers outside Nepal, restoring access to Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and more. In addition to bypassing government blocks, it provides online privacy and protection against surveillance, ensuring users stay securely connected.
Is PureVPN Safe to Use for Accessing Banned Apps?
Yes. PureVPN is safe to use for accessing apps and websites restricted in Nepal or any other region. The service operates under a strict no-logs policy, which means it does not track, store, or share user activity with any third party, including governments or service providers.
Because of this encryption, no one can detect whether someone is using Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, or any other blocked platform while connected to PureVPN. Users remain anonymous, and their browsing history or app usage cannot be traced back to them.
Arsalan Rashid
September 5, 2025
2 months ago
