Kathmandu/New Delhi, July 19, 2025 — Messaging giant Telegram has strongly refuted widespread reports of a government-imposed ban in Nepal, labeling the allegations of its involvement in online fraud and money laundering as misleading and lacking transparency.
The controversy erupted after the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) issued a public directive late Friday, instructing all telecom and internet service providers to immediately block access to the Telegram app across the country. The NTA cited a surge in online scams, phishing attempts, and alleged money laundering schemes linked to Telegram’s platform as key justifications for the abrupt action.
Telegram, a platform renowned for its privacy-focused features, large groups, and robust encryption, responded to the reports by emphasizing its global policy of cooperating with authorities to curb illegal activities. “We have always been responsive to legitimate law enforcement requests within the framework of user privacy and legal standards,” a Telegram spokesperson said, adding that reports painting the app as a haven for criminal networks in Nepal “misrepresent how security and privacy protections actually operate worldwide.”
The Nepalese government’s move follows a series of high-profile cybercrime incidents, including a notable case where hackers used Telegram while breaching F1Soft, a key digital payment processor for Nepali banks. Law enforcement agencies contend that Telegram’s strong encryption and lack of local regulatory oversight have allowed bad actors to thrive unchecked.
However, critics of the ban have noted that authorities made multiple attempts to contact Telegram’s official representatives but were unsuccessful in establishing a local point of contact before deciding on a nationwide block. Some digital rights advocates warn that such sweeping bans may set a precedent that could impact the global digital landscape if not based on transparent, cooperative processes.
Telegram has called on the Nepalese authorities to engage in open dialogue and to provide clear evidence supporting their claims, reiterating their willingness to collaborate in good faith to address concerns about misuse of the platform. The company maintains that fair regulation, rather than abrupt access restrictions, remains the best path forward for protecting users while upholding digital rights.
Meanwhile, millions of Nepali users were left unable to access the messaging app, as service providers began enforcing the ban on Friday evening. The development adds Nepal to a growing list of countries, including Vietnam, that have imposed restrictions on Telegram amid similar allegations.
Further responses from Telegram and Nepali authorities are expected as the situation develops.
