We, the undersigned organizations, and members of the #KeepItOn coalition — a global network of over 345 human rights organizations from 106 countries working to end internet shutdowns — urgently demand that the Government of Nepal immediately reverse its decision to block messaging platform Telegram across the country. Blocking access to essential communication channels is in gross violation of national and international human rights frameworks and must not be normalised.

On July 18, 2025, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, in a notice on its official website, instructed service providers to block Telegram, claiming the decision was aimed at combating online fraud and money laundering. The ban risks cutting off millions of people from access to a key communication tool which enables the exercise of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to privacy. The #KeepitOn coalition finds the government’s move to block Telegram entirely as an illegal and disproportionate measure.

Data captured by the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) shows the blocking is currently in place. The blanket restriction of critical digital platforms has severe repercussions on various aspects of people’s lives, including access to education, healthcare, economic activities, and, in some cases, denying people access to life-saving information. Moreover, our monitoring has shown over and over again that blocking access to essential communications is a deliberate crackdown on dissent and criticism of government policies. Additionally, evidence shows that blocking access to vital communication platforms exacerbates harm and amplifies the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

This is not the first time that authorities in Nepal have restricted access to digital platforms. In 2023, the government blocked TikTok again, citing vague reasons. The normalisation of banning digital platforms in addressing national problems signals a deepening pattern of executive overreach in digital governance. An overly broad Social Media Act Bill is also being considered, which has been criticised for its impact on freedom of expression, right to information, and press freedom.

Telegram is used widely across Nepal for daily communication, education, work, advocacy, and community coordination. The sudden, unlawful disruption has severely impacted journalists, human rights defenders, students, small businesses, and others who depend on the platform for essential day-to-day communication. Instead of targeting those allegedly responsible for fraud or misuse, this measure indiscriminately punishes the general public.

The Government of Nepal has not made public any legal orders, evidence, or regulatory framework underpinning this decision. Nor has it provided information on the scope of the restriction, the duration, or the process by which users might seek redress. These actions fall short of Nepal’s obligations under its own Constitution, including Articles 17, 19 and 28, which protect freedom of expression, the right to communication, and the right to privacy, as well as under international human rights law including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Nepal is a party. The Supreme Court of Nepal has underscored the sanctity of these rights: in the landmark case of Baburam Aryal v. Government of Nepal, the Court held that the right to privacy is a fundamental human right, and that personal communications and data are inviolable except in accordance with law.

Telegram has publicly denied claims of non-cooperation and stated that it has responded to legal requests from the Government of Nepal, while actively removing fraudulent content when discovered. The government’s decision to ban the platform entirely, without first exhausting cooperative and transparent avenues, raises serious concerns about procedural fairness and accountability.

We urge all telecommunication providers and internet service providers (ISPs) operating in Nepal to adhere to the principles of necessity and proportionality when responding to government orders. They should engage with the government and regulators, where possible, to advocate for less intrusive means of addressing problems, and ensure that users are informed about their rights. Providers should also document any shutdown orders and disclose them publicly (for example, in transparency reports), so that there is a record for accountability and affected users can seek legal remedy if appropriate. Doing so not only aligns with international business standards but will also help preserve the open internet and the long-term business environment in Nepal.

Authorities must stop using platform bans as a default response to complex societal challenges. This blunt tool only causes more harm, deepens the digital divide, and undermines democratic principles. Digital communication platforms must remain open, secure, and accessible for all people in Nepal.

Access Now and members of the #KeepItOn coalition call on the Government of Nepal to:

• Immediately revoke the directive blocking access to Telegram, restore access, and refrain from imposing platform bans in the future;
• Ensure transparency and accountability in all internet governance processes, including publishing any regulatory orders and enabling independent review; and
• Engage in open dialogue with civil society, technical experts, and platform providers to address legitimate concerns in ways that respect human rights.

Signatories

• Access Now
• Afia-Amani Grands-Lacs
• Africa Open Data and Internet Research Foundation (AODIRF)
• African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX)
• Antenna Foundation Nepal  (DFC member)
• Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE)
• Center for Media Research – Nepal
• ChildSafe Net, Nepal
• Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)
• Computech Institute, Senegal
• Conexión Segura y Libre – VE sin Filtro
• Digital Freedom Coalition (DFC)
• Digital Rights Nepal (DRN)
• Digital Media Foundation  (DFC member)
• Digital Woman Uganda
• Educating Nepal  (DFC member)
• Eurasian Digital Foundation
• Forumvert
• Forum for Digital Equality (DFC member)
• Freedom Forum Nepal (DFC member)
• Innovation for Change (I4C) South Asia
• Internet Governance Institute (DFC member)
• Internet Society Nepal Chapter (Open Internet Nepal) (DFC member)
• Internet Protection Society (ex-Russia)
• iWatch Africa
• Kijiji Yeetu
• JCA-NET(Japan)
• Jonction, Senegal
• Life campaign to abolish the death sentence in Kurdistan
• Media Action Nepal  (DFC member)
• Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
• Media Lawyers Association  (DFC member)
• Miaan Group
• Mysansar, Nepal
• OONI (Open Observatory of Network Interference)
• Organization of the Justice Campaign
• Paradigm Initiative (PIN)
• Reclaiming Spaces Initiative
• RKS Global
• RosKomSvoboda
• SMSWithoutBorders
• VPN Guild
• Women Empower and Mentor All (WEmpower)
• Women’s Group for Disability Rights (DFC member)
• Youth IGF Nepal (DFC member)
• YucaByte
• Zaina Foundation