KATHMANDU: As the government’s final deadline to register expired on Wednesday, concerns grew that Facebook and other platforms might face a shutdown.

Throughout the day, many users posted farewell messages assuming it could be their last access. However, by midnight, social media platforms continued to function normally.

The government had warned it would wait until midnight for registration and shut down non-compliant platforms thereafter. Yet, as of Thursday morning, services remained uninterrupted.

Last Thursday, the Cabinet decided to require all major social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google, and Gmail—to formally register in Nepal, issuing a seven-day ultimatum.

That ultimatum expired at midnight Wednesday, but no platform operator submitted an application.According to sources at the Ministry of Communication, the government is unlikely to enforce a complete blackout all at once.

Instead, it may adopt a “partial shutdown” strategy—restricting features such as messaging and video calls before gradually tightening restrictions.

“The ultimatum was given, but none of the companies even responded regarding registration in Nepal,” a senior Nepal Telecommunications Authority official said Thursday.

“Ministry officials had expected an email by midnight, but none arrived. Meanwhile, citizens are strongly protesting any attempt at a ban. Discussions were held about shutting services after midnight, but no final decision has been made,” he added.

The government is also seen to be in confusion over which platforms to block. Since it also relies heavily on Google Search and Gmail, any attempt to ban these services would create difficulties for the state itself.