Prime Minister Posts on Facebook, as Government Moves to Ban Facebook
Just 12 hours ago, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli posted on Facebook, paying tribute to late folk singer Indira Gole. Yet, the same platform — along with 25 others -has now been ordered shut by his own government.
On Thursday, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) instructed internet service providers to block Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter (X), WhatsApp and other widely used platforms. The order, based on a ministerial-level decision, has sparked heated public debate and sharp criticism.
Almost immediately, social media users questioned the government’s double standards. One user quipped: “The Prime Minister can use Facebook to express condolences, but we are banned from it? That’s absurd.”
According to NTA officials, only unregistered platforms are to be blocked. Local app Hamro Patro has already been whitelisted and will remain active, spokesperson Gajendra Thakur clarified. He also confirmed that Meta has initiated preliminary talks with the government but has not yet secured an exemption.
Media analysts argue that banning platforms used daily by citizens while leaders themselves remain active undermines democratic values and risks eroding public trust.
The contrast between the Prime Minister’s own active Facebook post and his government’s sweeping ban order highlights Nepal’s growing clash between digital freedoms and state regulation-a conflict that appears set to intensify.
