Following a government ban on major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, individuals in Nepal are turning to alternative methods to maintain access. This ban, implemented under new legal provisions, has led to a rise in the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
The ban has caused a notable increase in the usage of VPNs, which enable users to circumvent the imposed restrictions and continue using the banned platforms.
Deepak Raj Awasthi of the Nepal Cyber Police has confirmed the surge in VPN usage. Despite the potential security risks associated with VPNs, their use is widespread. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation.
The practice of using VPNs, while potentially hazardous, is prevalent. Recent data from Google Trends indicates a significant increase in searches for ‘VPN for laptop,’ ‘VPN for iPhone,’ and ‘VPN for Facebook’ within Nepal during the last 24 hours.
Internet service providers affiliated with the association can currently access Facebook and Instagram without encountering issues. They are formulating a roadmap in response to a government directive. Users residing in border areas are also experiencing minimal disruption in accessing these platforms.
The decision to ban 26 social networking apps was announced by the Nepalese government on September 4th. This action was undertaken under new regulations, as stated by Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, and stemmed from a 2023 law prepared at the request of the Supreme Court.
The law mandates that all social networking sites register in Nepal and undergo re-registration every three years.
Additionally, each social media application is required to designate a contact officer in Nepal for the purpose of taking swift action against inappropriate content. These applications are also responsible for ensuring the confidentiality of user information.
The Nepalese government has contacted Meta following the ban, with a potential resolution of the matter expected within a week. Meta manages the operations of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads within Nepal.