Kathmandu: In a dramatic turn of events, the Nepal government has lifted its recent ban on popular social media platforms after violent protests, largely led by Gen Z activists, turned deadly. The protests, which had initially been sparked by the government’s decision to block several social media sites, escalated into clashes with police, resulting in the tragic deaths of 19 individuals.
Following a late-night emergency cabinet meeting, Nepal’s Minister for Communication, Information, and Broadcasting, Prithvi Subba Gurung, announced that the government had decided to reverse its controversial decision and restore access to social media platforms.
The Decision to Reopen Social Media
In his address, Minister Gurung confirmed that the government’s move to reopen social media was a response to the widespread public outcry, particularly from younger generations. “The government has decided to open up social media to address the demands of Gen Z,” Gurung stated. However, he clarified that the government did not regret its initial decision to implement the ban, explaining that the protests had used the issue as a rallying cry for broader grievances.
He further urged protest leaders to call off their demonstrations and return to dialogue with the government. As a part of the resolution, the cabinet also announced the formation of an investigation committee to probe the violent incidents that led to numerous casualties. The committee has been given 15 days to submit its report.
The Social Media Ban: A Political and Legal Standoff
The original ban, imposed just days ago, came after the government accused major social media platforms of disregarding Nepal’s sovereignty. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, speaking at the cabinet meeting, stated that X (formerly Twitter) had refused to comply with Nepal’s regulatory requirements. “They refused to register in Nepal and failed to follow our laws,” the Prime Minister said. “This is about respecting our national sovereignty.”
The government had set a deadline for social media companies to comply with new regulations, which were introduced to curb online crimes such as hate speech, fake news, and fraud. As the deadline passed without compliance, platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, Pinterest, and Snapchat were blocked in Nepal. The government’s telecommunications authority had deactivated these platforms, although local media reports confirmed that TikTok had not been included in the ban.
Public Backlash and the Role of Gen Z
The ban led to widespread protests, particularly among younger Nepalis, who expressed frustration at the government’s actions. Many viewed the ban as an attempt to suppress free speech, while others pointed to the government’s failure to address pervasive corruption within the country.
Protesters carried signs demanding the unblocking of social media and accusing the government of targeting the wrong issues. “Shut down corruption, not social media!” read one of the placards held by a protester, while another declared, “Youths against corruption.”
Many participants in the protests also voiced frustration with the growing divide between the government’s elite and the general public, with viral videos comparing the lifestyles of wealthy politicians’ children to the struggles of ordinary Nepalis. These videos, often shared on platforms like TikTok, helped fuel the momentum of the demonstrations.
One protester, Bhumika Bharati, told AFP, “There have been movements against corruption abroad, and we’re afraid the government is worried that something similar could happen here.”
Curfew and Police Crackdown
The protests escalated when demonstrators attempted to breach police barricades near the Nepalese parliament. In response, authorities imposed a curfew around the legislative building and used water cannons, rubber bullets, and batons to disperse the crowds. Clashes quickly intensified, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities.
The violence prompted widespread condemnation, with human rights groups and international organizations calling for a transparent investigation into the deaths of the protesters. The United Nations has expressed shock over the killings and urged Nepal’s government to carry out a swift and impartial probe.
A Broader Debate Over Social Media Regulation
The ban on social media platforms in Nepal had been justified by the government as a measure to curb the growing problem of online fraud, fake news, and hate speech. In addition, authorities pointed to increasing cases of money laundering and cybercrime as further reasons for cracking down on unregulated digital spaces.
This is not the first time that the Nepalese government has taken action against social media platforms. In July, the government had blocked the Telegram messaging app, citing similar concerns over its use in illegal financial activities. However, it had lifted a previous nine-month ban on TikTok in August 2024 after the platform agreed to comply with local regulations.
While the government’s actions are seen as an attempt to control the online narrative, critics argue that such measures stifle free expression and limit access to vital information, especially for younger generations who heavily rely on social media for news and advocacy.
Next Steps for Nepal
With the lifting of the social media ban, the Nepalese government faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, it must address the grievances of the younger generation, who have made their voices heard in the streets. On the other hand, the government is likely to continue enforcing regulations to ensure that social media platforms operate within the country’s legal framework.
As the investigation into the deadly protests continues, the world is watching Nepal’s next steps closely. The pressure is on for the government to not only address the immediate issue of social media access but also take long-term measures to combat corruption and improve the lives of ordinary Nepalis, particularly the youth who have been at the forefront of these protests.
