**Nepal Government Issues Ultimatum to Meta Platforms for Registration**
The Nepalese government has issued a stern warning to Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, demanding that it register under local laws within seven days or face a nationwide ban. During a recent event hosted by the National Information Commission, Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, expressed frustration over Meta’s failure to comply with repeated requests for registration.
Gurung highlighted that the deadline set in the third notice had recently lapsed, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “Meta’s services, including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, are actively used in Nepal, and significant financial transactions may be occurring from Nepal to Meta’s international offices. It is imperative that Meta registers in Nepal,” he stated. The minister firmly declared, “I cannot extend the deadline any further—Meta must register within seven days, or it will be banned.”
The Nepalese government argues that major technology companies operating within its borders should adhere to local laws, which encompass taxation, consumer protection, and data governance. Reports indicate that Ruzan Sarwar, Meta’s Public Policy Manager for the Asia-Pacific region, along with a liaison officer, has arrived in Nepal but has yet to engage with the relevant authorities in Kathmandu.
In summary, the Nepalese government is taking a strong stance on the legal accountability of tech giants, and the outcome of this ultimatum could have significant implications for Meta’s operations in the country.
**FAQ**
**Q: What will happen if Meta does not register in Nepal?**
A: If Meta fails to register within the specified seven-day period, it will face a nationwide ban on its services in Nepal.