Nepal’s Digital Future: Why Nepal Needs Its Own Social Media and Messaging Platform

Nepal’s recent ban on 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, effective September 4, 2025, has sparked a critical conversation about digital sovereignty. The Social Media Directives 2080 mandate local registration to ensure accountability, but the non-compliance of global tech giants highlights a deeper issue: Nepal’s reliance on foreign platforms. At Lacspace, we propose that Nepal develop its own AI-powered social media and messaging platform to empower users, businesses, and the nation’s digital economy.

The Case for a Nepali Social Media Platform

With over 90% internet penetration and 87% of social media users on Facebook, Nepal’s digital landscape is vibrant but dependent on foreign platforms. The recent ban, driven by a Supreme Court ruling and the need to curb misinformation, exposes vulnerabilities: disrupted communication, business losses, and limited control over data. A Nepali social platform could address these by offering locally compliant, secure, and culturally relevant services.

Such a platform, built with technologies like Node.js and React.js, could integrate messaging, voice/video calls, and social networking, tailored to Nepal’s linguistic and cultural diversity. It would ensure data privacy, comply with local laws, and reduce reliance on global giants.

Why Nepal Needs This Now

The ban disrupts millions, including migrant workers (33.06% of GDP via remittances) who rely on WhatsApp for family connections, and businesses using Instagram for marketing. Local alternatives like Viber and Nimbus exist, but they lack the scale and features of global platforms. A Nepali platform could:

• Support Nepali languages like Nepali, Maithili, and Bhojpuri for inclusivity.
• Offer AI-driven content moderation to filter harmful content while respecting free speech.
• Integrate with local payment systems like eSewa for seamless transactions.
• Ensure data sovereignty by storing user data within Nepal.

Lacspace’s expertise in AI and platforms like ScanSewa positions us to lead this development, fostering a digital ecosystem that empowers Nepalis.

Key Features of a Nepali Platform

A homegrown platform, tentatively called NepalConnect, could include:

• Messaging and Calls: End-to-end encrypted texts, voice, and video calls, rivaling WhatsApp and Viber.
• Social Networking: Features like posts, stories, and reels, inspired by Instagram but with Nepali cultural themes.
• Business Tools: Integrated e-commerce and analytics, similar to Lacspace’s SparkHue, for SMEs to thrive.
• AI Moderation: Real-time content filtering to prevent misinformation, ensuring compliance with local laws.
• Offline Mode: Functionality in low-connectivity areas, critical for rural Nepal.

Built on MongoDB and hosted on Amazon EC2, NepalConnect could scale to millions while maintaining security.

Challenges and Solutions

Developing a platform faces hurdles: high costs, user adoption, and competition with VPN-enabled access to banned apps. Solutions include:

• Government Support: Subsidies or partnerships with MoCIT to fund development and ensure compliance.
• Local Talent: Leveraging Nepal’s growing tech workforce, trained in React.js and AI, to build and maintain the platform.
• User Incentives: Gamified features and free data bundles via Nepal Telecom to boost adoption.
• Open Source: Using GitHub to crowdsource contributions, reducing costs and fostering innovation.

Lacspace’s experience with Grocista and CareSewa demonstrates our ability to overcome these challenges, delivering scalable, user-friendly solutions.

Economic and Social Benefits

A Nepali platform would drive economic growth by creating tech jobs, supporting SMEs, and attracting investment. Socially, it would preserve cultural identity, promote digital literacy, and empower marginalized communities. For instance, a Bhaktapur artisan could sell globally via NepalConnect’s e-commerce tools, while rural users access educational content offline.

By integrating with local payment gateways and analytics, it would rival global platforms while prioritizing Nepal’s needs.

Lacspace’s Vision and Role

At Lacspace, we’re ready to lead this initiative through Lacspace Labs. Our expertise in AI, React.js, and Node.js, combined with platforms like ScanSewa, positions us to develop NepalConnect. We envision a platform that blends global technology with Nepal’s vibrant culture, ensuring compliance, security, and accessibility.

We call for collaboration with Nepal’s tech community, government, and ISPs to make this a reality, reducing dependence on foreign platforms.

Conclusion: A Digital Nepal for All

Nepal’s social media ban underscores the urgent need for a homegrown platform. By building NepalConnect, we can achieve digital sovereignty, protect user data, and empower businesses. Lacspace is committed to driving this vision, creating a future where every Nepali connects, creates, and thrives in a secure digital ecosystem.

— Written by Eallen Karna, Founder of Lacspace