The government of Nepal has officially lifted its controversial ban on major social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. This decision came in the wake of violent protests that erupted across the nation, resulting in 19 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The protests were largely driven by Generation Z activists, who took to the streets after authorities blocked access to 26 digital platforms due to regulatory issues.
Background: The Social Media Crackdown
• Initially, the ban was defended by stating that these platforms hadn’t registered with local authorities and weren’t following Nepalese internet regulations. However, the abrupt enforcement of these restrictions ignited immediate outrage, particularly among young people who rely on digital communication for education, work, and activism.
• The lack of open dialogue before blocking these platforms was seen as a violation of freedom of expression, leading to street demonstrations that quickly escalated into violent confrontations with security forces.
The Protests and Casualties
• The protests kicked off in Kathmandu and quickly spread to other urban areas.
• Tens of thousands of Gen Z protesters—many of whom were students and young professionals—flooded the streets, demanding the restoration of digital access.
• Clashes between protesters and riot police near Parliament House resulted in the tragic deaths of 19 individuals, with several hundred more injured in the chaos that followed.
• This wave of protests has become one of the most intense youth-led movements in Nepal’s recent history.
Government Response and Reversal
After a late-night emergency Cabinet meeting, Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that the government had revoked the ban. He stated that,
- The Ministry of Information had instructed all agencies to resume access to social media platforms immediately.
- The government recognized the legitimate concerns raised by the youth and expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue rather than suppression.
Gurung also urged the Gen Z protest groups to withdraw their protest campaigns, assuring them of the government’s commitment to reviewing digital regulation frameworks in consultation with stakeholders.
