Government Preparing OTT Service Regulation Rules To Bring Platforms Like Netflix, YouTube Premium Under Legal Registration And Tax System

The Government of Nepal is preparing a new regulation framework for Over The Top (OTT) services to bring online streaming platforms under official legal and tax systems. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has already started drafting the OTT rules and presented the initial proposal to the minister.

According to the proposal, OTT platforms may need to take a license by paying around 1 crore rupees along with separate registration charges. The plan is based on the National Broadcasting Regulations, which would make registration mandatory for both local and foreign streaming services.

If implemented, major global platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube Premium would also need to obtain licenses to operate in Nepal. Local OTT services such as Net TV, Cinemaghar, DishHome Go, MSM Video, and Kantipur Cinema would also come under the same regulation system. The government says this step will help manage digital services properly and increase state revenue through taxation.