Telegram Banned in Nepal Due to Alleged Involvement in Financial Crimes

Citing rising instances of online fraud and money laundering, Nepal has implemented a ban on the Telegram messaging app. The NTA issued an official notice requiring all telecom service providers to block the app. The notice explicitly mentioned Telegram’s association with ‘serious crimes’ without providing specific statistics. This action places Nepal among the countries that have restricted Telegram. Vietnam had previously taken similar measures, criticizing the platform for disseminating harmful information. The move follows investigations into the use of Telegram during the hacking of a widely used online transaction software within Nepal’s banking system. Telegram, with its global user base and encryption features, continues to be subject to scrutiny regarding security and data privacy. The app’s founder has also faced legal issues in France related to content moderation.