Not just Nepal! 5 countries that banned Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media apps — Check here
Other than Nepal, several other nations have also banned major social media platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram, each for varying political, security, or regulatory reasons, but still have not lifted the ban on them. Check the list below.
1. China
After riots occurred in Xinjiang province in 2009, a region in western China, to control communication among independence activists, the Chinese government implemented a blockade on social media platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), and Google. The ban has been applied in order to maintain political control, prevent the spread of information it deems harmful or politically sensitive, and protect its citizens from foreign influence.
2. North Korea
North Korea has near-total restrictions on social media and internet access. In this country, only a small and elite group of people have access to the internet and social media platforms, as the government strictly controls all information. The unauthorised use of social media in North Korea can result in severe punishment.
3. Russia
Since early 2022, Russia has formally banned Facebook and Instagram, labelling them "extremist," and restricted X (Twitter), among other platforms. The ban is part of a larger crackdown on digital dissent and foreign influence.
4. Turkmenistan
The landlocked South-Central Asian nation also imposes a near-total blockade on Western social media. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Skype, WeChat, and others have been consistently blocked since 2008, with citizens confined to a heavily monitored, state-controlled intranet known as “Turkmenet.”
5. Iran
Iran has also maintained one of the most restrictive online environments, systematically blocking access to platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram. As part of broader censorship curbs, these bans have been in place for years. However, despite restrictions and carrying potential legal action, several people in Iran use VPNs to access blocked networks.
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