YouTube, Gmail, and several major social media platforms were blocked in Nepal on September 4, 2025, following a government directive. The move came after foreign-based companies failed to comply with a new regulation requiring them to register their operations and appoint a local representative within the country.

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) was ordered to disable access after the seven-day registration deadline passed without compliance from several companies. The ban has sparked criticism from civil society and raised concerns in the business sector, as thousands of Nepali businesses and content creators rely on these platforms for promotion and income.

Despite the official ban, many users are still able to access YouTube, Gmail, and other platforms through virtual private networks (VPNs). The government’s action has made the platforms a trending topic in Nepal, generating widespread discussion about online regulation and digital freedom.