Nepal’s government has reversed its controversial ban on 26 social media and messaging platforms after nationwide protests turned deadly in Kathmandu, leaving at least 19 people dead and over 100 injured.
The decision was announced late Monday by Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, just hours after thousands of demonstrators—mainly young people—stormed towards the parliament complex, demanding an end to restrictions.
“We have withdrawn the shutdown of social media. They are now operational,” Gurung confirmed.
‘Gen Z’ Protests Against Corruption
The protests, dubbed “Gen Z demonstrations,” were fueled by anger over the blackout of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, as well as frustrations with alleged government corruption and shrinking economic opportunities.
“Corruption has become institutionalised in Nepal. We’re here to demand change,” said 24-year-old student protester Yujan Rajbhandari.
Demonstrators broke barricades, set an ambulance on fire, and clashed with security forces near parliament. Police responded with batons, water cannons, rubber bullets, and, according to Amnesty International, live ammunition, which contributed to the casualties.
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Government Response and Investigation
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed sadness over the violence, blaming “infiltration from selfish centres” for escalating the unrest. The government has set up a committee to investigate the clashes and pledged financial aid for families of the deceased, along with free medical treatment for the injured.
Protesters carried banners reading “Shut down corruption, not social media” and “Youths against corruption,” while others waved symbols from the Japanese manga One Piece, a growing emblem of resistance against authoritarian policies in Asia.
Roots of the Ban
The restrictions began last month when the government ordered major platforms to register under new digital regulations requiring local compliance officers and grievance redressal mechanisms. Companies including Meta, Alphabet, Tencent, and Snapchat missed the deadline, prompting the nationwide block.
Authorities defended the move, saying fake accounts were being used to spread misinformation, hate speech, and fraud. But critics argued the ban stifled free speech and democratic freedoms.
Nepal had previously blocked apps like Telegram and TikTok, though the TikTok ban was lifted last year after the company agreed to follow local guidelines.
With Monday’s rollback, access to social media has been restored, but the protests underscore deep public anger over corruption and governance in the country.
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