Strict Social Media Bans in Nepal and Curfews in France: Key Restrictions Across Europe

Nepal made headlines in September 2025 after imposing a ban on 26 major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp. The ban was justified by the government on grounds of combating misinformation and safeguarding national security. However, this restriction led to widespread protests advocating for freedom of expression. Eventually, under significant public pressure, the ban was lifted within days, restoring full access to these platforms.

In contrast, France has introduced a more nuanced regulation aimed at protecting minors online. Starting in late 2025, new proposals set strict limits on social media usage for children under 13. These children would require parental consent verified to access major platforms. Additionally, the government plans to enforce curfews on social media activity during late-night hours to shield young users from potential harms such as cyberbullying and misinformation.

Key Social Media Restrictions Across Europe

Various European countries have adopted different strategies balancing digital freedom and online safety:

• Turkey: Often restricts social media access during political unrest to curb misinformation.
• Russia: Enforces strict controls on social media content and access, frequently blocking non-compliant platforms.
• Poland and Hungary: Propose tougher content regulation laws targeting misinformation and hate speech, sparking debates on freedom of speech.
• United Kingdom: Moves toward content monitoring rather than bans, introducing legislation to hold social media companies accountable for harmful or illegal content while protecting free expression.

European nations continue to grapple with the challenge of protecting citizens and vulnerable groups while promoting innovation and open communication on digital platforms. The evolving regulatory landscape reflects efforts to find an equilibrium between maintaining order and respecting individual freedoms.

Stay tuned with Questiqa Europe News for the latest updates on digital regulations and social media policies across Europe.

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