28 Organizations Demand Immediate Withdrawal of Telegram Ban, Call It a Violation of Citizens’ Fundamental Rights

Kathmandu: Twenty-eight civil society and rights-based organizations have condemned the government’s ban on the messaging app Telegram, calling it a serious violation of the constitutional right to freedom of expression. In a joint statement, the organizations demanded that the government immediately lift the ban, describing the decision as unilateral, opaque, and unsupported by evidence.

On July 18, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority blocked access to Telegram nationwide, following instructions from the government. The decision, according to the government, was made at the request of security agencies to curb criminal activities such as online fraud and money laundering.

However, the issuing organizations have rejected this justification, stating that the ban is a direct assault on citizens’ fundamental rights. “This ban directly violates the freedom of thought and expression and the right to communication guaranteed by Articles 17 and 19 of the Constitution of Nepal,” the statement read. “It restricts citizens' ability to exchange information through digital means.”

The statement also referenced the Supreme Court’s directive order on the TikTok ban, in which the court instructed the government to create a dedicated legal framework to regulate social media. The organizations argued that shutting down an entire platform without a legal foundation undermines the rule of law, especially while the Social Media Regulation Bill, 2081 is still under consideration in the National Assembly.

The signatories also criticized the government for failing to provide any data, legal documentation, or factual evidence to justify its claim that Telegram was being used for criminal activity. “Blocking an entire platform instead of taking action against individuals or groups misusing it is a serious lapse in governance,” the statement said. They noted that Telegram had publicly stated it was cooperating with the Nepali government and had removed content in response to official requests.

The groups emphasized that the ban has had a direct impact on journalists, human rights defenders, students, professionals, and small business owners, and warned that such moves erode public trust in the country's digital future.

They urged the government to fully adhere to the constitution and international human rights standards while regulating digital platforms. The statement also called for transparent dialogue among the government, civil society, technical experts, and representatives of relevant platforms to shape fair and accountable digital policies.

Organizations that signed the joint statement include Digital Rights Nepal, Freedom Forum, Amnesty International Nepal, Nepal Internet Foundation, Media Action Nepal, Body & Data, among others.

 

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: साउन १५, २०८२ १८:४२

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