Hey everyone, Amresh here! So, you’ve probably heard the buzz: Is Telegram banned in Nepal? Let me cut through the noise and give you the straight facts. As someone who’s been blogging about education and tech for two years now, I know how confusing these sudden changes can be. Yes, Telegram is officially banned in Nepal as of July 18, 2025. In this guide, I’ll break down why this happened, what it means for you, and what you can do about it—all in plain, simple English.
Telegram Ban in Nepal – What Is the Reality?
Let’s get straight to the point. On July 18, 2025, Nepal’s telecom watchdog—the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA)—dropped a bombshell. They ordered every internet provider in the country to block access to Telegram. Why? The NTA blamed a crazy surge in online fraud and money laundering linked to the app. In their notice, they called out “rampant misuse” and even mentioned criminal activities like money laundering. So, if you’re wondering, is Telegram banned in Nepal? The answer is a firm yes ().
Why Did Nepal Pull the Plug on Telegram?
I dug into the reports, and the numbers are wild. Between mid-July 2024 and December 2024 alone, Nepal’s Cyber Bureau got 696 complaints about Telegram scams. That’s a 3,400% jump from just 20 cases the year before (). Here’s what was happening:
- Fake job offers promising quick cash
- Crypto investment traps
- Romance scams draining victims’ savings
- Fake bank OTP thefts
- Sham donation drives
- Straight-up money laundering networks ()
Worse, there were high-profile cases where hackers used Telegram to steal millions from Nepali banks. After TikTok’s ban in 2023 (lifted in 2024), the government wasn’t taking chances this time.
How Telegram Reacted to the Ban
Telegram’s response? They said they were “surprised.” The company claims it’s always cooperated with Nepal’s legal requests and actively fights fraud (). But here’s the catch: Nepal isn’t part of international data-sharing agreements like GDPR. That means even if Telegram wanted to share user data with Nepali authorities, legal roadblocks might exist ().
How Scammers Exploited Telegram
So, how were crooks using the app? From what police found:
- Fake investment groups luring people with “guaranteed” returns
- Loan scams asking for upfront fees
- Romance traps where “partners” suddenly need emergency money
- Impersonation of banks or government agencies
Telegram’s encryption and privacy features—which many of us love—unfortunately made it a playground for these cons. Criminals could operate in hidden chats, leaving police in the dark ().
What Happened After July 18?
The moment the NTA’s order hit, providers like Ncell and Nepal Telecom cut access. By evening, people were flooding social media asking, “Is Telegram banned in Nepal?” Some tried switching to VPNs (more on that later), but for most, the app just… stopped working. Sound familiar? It’s exactly how the TikTok ban rolled out in 2023 ().
Key Events Timeline
| Date | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2023 | TikTok banned | Social media uproar; influencers disrupted |
| Aug 2024 | TikTok ban lifted | Platform returned after agreeing to moderation rules |
| July 18, 2025 | NTA orders Telegram block | App goes dark nationwide; users seek VPNs |
| July 19, 2025 | Telegram expresses “surprise” | No resolution; ban remains enforced |
Can You Still Use Telegram in Nepal?
Technically? Maybe—with a VPN. But let’s be real:
- VPNs slow your internet
- Free ones sell your data
- Using them might break your ISP’s terms
If you must stay on Telegram, tread carefully. For most folks, switching to WhatsApp, Signal, or Viber is smarter ().
What Experts Think About the Ban
Tech voices like Chiranjibi Adhikari argue bans don’t fix the real problem. “Driving scams underground just makes them harder to track,” he says. His fix?
- Better moderation tools for platforms
- Digital literacy drives to teach people spotting scams
- Official reporting channels for victims
Instead of asking “Is Telegram banned in Nepal?”, he says we should ask: “How do we make the internet safer here?” ().
What This Means for You
If you’re in Nepal:
- Telegram won’t work without a VPN (and I don’t recommend those).
- Scammers haven’t vanished—they’ve just moved. Watch for red flags:
- “Too good to be true” job offers
- Strangers asking for money transfers
- Fake government grant messages
- Switch apps for now. WhatsApp and Signal are secure and legal.
My Take as an Educator
Friends, as someone who writes about digital safety, I get why the ban happened. Is Telegram banned in Nepal? Yes—because fraud exploded, and authorities panicked. But blocking apps is like putting a bandage on a broken arm. What we really need:
- Schools teaching digital literacy
- Police cyber-units with real teeth
- Platforms and government working together
Until then? Guard your data like gold. Don’t click shady links. Verify everything. And if something feels off—it probably is. want to checkout about apple iphone pro max 17
Stay safe, stay informed. This is Amresh, signing off.
Got questions about staying safe online? Drop them below—I’ll help!
