KATHMANDU: A coalition of 28 civil society organizations in Nepal has strongly condemned the government’s decision to ban Telegram, calling it a violation of constitutional freedoms.

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) issued the ban on July 18, 2025, at the request of security agencies and under instructions from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, citing concerns about online fraud and money laundering. However, the organizations argue the decision was made unilaterally without sufficient evidence or legal basis.

The groups emphasize that Articles 17 and 19 of Nepal’s 2015 Constitution guarantee freedom of expression and communication, including in digital spaces. They highlight that platforms like Telegram are crucial for information exchange, civic participation, education, and activism. The ban, they argue, restricts citizens’ rights and obstructs the free flow of information, raising doubts about the government’s commitment to press freedom and digital inclusion.

The statement references a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that directed the government to regulate social media through legislation rather than arbitrary bans. A draft Social Media Regulation Bill, 2025, is currently under consideration in the National Assembly.

The organizations assert that blocking an entire platform without legal grounds contradicts democratic norms, fundamental rights, and Nepal’s obligations under international human rights instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

They stress that accountability for criminal activities should fall on individual perpetrators, not the platform or its users. Section 43 of Nepal’s Electronic Transactions Act supports this by stating that service providers are not liable for third-party content.

While the government claims Telegram has been used for unlawful activities, it has not provided evidence or legal orders justifying the ban. Telegram has stated it cooperated with authorities and acted on requests to remove fraudulent content. The organizations argue that the ban, imposed without transparent dialogue, undermines procedural fairness.

The coalition calls on the government and NTA to lift the ban immediately and ensure future regulations comply with constitutional and international human rights standards. They urge transparent, inclusive discussions involving all stakeholders—government, civil society, technical experts, and platform representatives—to address digital rights concerns.

Signatory organizations include Digital Rights Nepal, Freedom Forum, Amnesty International Nepal, and 25 others. The ban has drawn criticism for its impact on journalists, activists, students, and businesses, further eroding trust in Nepal’s digital governance.