Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 1st August 2025, 12:37 PM
Human rights organisations have strongly urged the Government of Nepal to reverse its recent ban on the Telegram messaging application, labelling the move a grave threat to freedom of expression, digital rights, and online privacy.
The ban came into effect on 18 July, with the government justifying the decision by citing an increase in online fraud and money laundering. However, rights groups have criticised the action as arbitrary and lacking in transparency.
Timeline & Government Action
| Date | Event Description |
| 18 July | Nepal blocks access to Telegram nationwide |
| Post-Ban | Directive issued to all Internet Service Providers to enforce the ban |
| 1 August | Rights groups release joint statement demanding reversal |
Statements from Rights Advocates
“The government’s ban is a serious human rights violation and a discriminatory decision. It shows that any platform could be blocked without transparency, which is deeply worrying.”
“The sudden, unlawful disruption has severely impacted journalists, human rights defenders, students, small businesses, and others who rely on the platform for essential, everyday communication.”
Government Response
“We instructed all internet service providers to block the app following an order from the Prime Minister’s Office.”
Telegram’s Reaction
Telegram, in a written response to AFP, stated the following:
| Claim | Telegram’s Response |
| Government cooperation | “We have always responded to Nepal’s legal requests.” |
| Content moderation | “We actively moderate harmful content, including fraud and money laundering, and remove such material upon discovery — although no reports have been received from Nepali authorities.” |
Context and Broader Concerns
Nepal has a history of restricting digital platforms. In August of last year, it lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok after TikTok’s South Asia division agreed to align with local regulations.
The ban on Telegram has sparked renewed fears of government overreach into digital freedoms, especially given the opaque manner in which decisions are made and enforced.
About Telegram
| Feature | Details |
| Launch Year | 2013 |
| Type | Cloud-based messaging platform |
| Features | End-to-end encryption, large group chats, broadcast channels |
| Global User Base | Estimated 1 billion users |
| Founder & CEO | Pavel Durov (Russian-born) |
| Legal Scrutiny | Briefly detained in France in 2024; recently questioned again over platform’s alleged misuse by criminals |
Rights organisations are continuing their advocacy efforts and have pledged to increase international pressure on Nepalese authorities to restore access to Telegram immediately, warning of the long-term impact on digital communication, media freedom, and democratic accountability.
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