NTA bars Telegram app over criminal use

KATHMANDU: Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) barred access to the Telegram messaging app on Friday, citing its use in criminal activities.

The independent statutory regulator of Nepal’s telecommunications sector issued a notice ordering all telecommunications service providers to block the app with immediate effect.

In its notice, the NTA said, “The number of online fraud cases has been continuously increasing in Nepal through the use of the Telegram app, and it has become apparent that the app has been used in serious crimes such as money laundering.”

It added, “Therefore, all telecommunications service providers are instructed to immediately restrict or shut down access to the Telegram app.”