Nepal Government Lifts Social Media Ban After Deadly Protests

Sun Oct 19 2025 13:18:49 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Following violent protests that resulted in at least 19 deaths, the Nepalese government lifted a ban on prominent social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube.

Nepal's government has lifted a recent ban on major social media platforms following widespread protests in Kathmandu that left at least 19 people dead. The demonstrations erupted after the government attempted to impose regulations on these platforms. Police opened fire on protesters, leading to resignations within the cabinet. Critics argue that the proposed regulations are a means to stifle dissent.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Nepal’s government lifted its ban on social media platforms on Tuesday, just one day after violent protests left at least 19 people dead.

Key platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube were blocked last week, coinciding with a massive protest rally in Kathmandu on Monday.

Police responded to demonstrators opposing a government attempt to regulate social media by opening fire, resulting in numerous casualties. Following the violence, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned during an emergency Cabinet meeting convened by Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli.

Rallies around the Parliament building drew thousands of angry citizens, who protested allegations that social media companies had not registered for government oversight. The government is pushing legislation aimed at ensuring these platforms are 'properly managed,' but critics view it as censorship against dissenting voices.

Approximately 24 social networks previously received notices to register officially in Nepal. Failure to comply resulted in their blockage last week.

Medical sources indicated that seven of the deceased and numerous injured individuals were brought to the National Trauma Center, with reports of severe injuries among those shot in the head and chest.

As the situation remains tense, some banners and chants at the protests declared: 'Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media.' The rally was primarily driven by the younger generation, branded as a protest of Gen Z.

The proposed legislation requires companies to appoint a local point of contact and has been condemned as an infringement on freedom of expression.

Nepal's history with social media bans includes a previous ban on TikTok, lifted after the platform agreed to comply with local laws.