KATHMANDU (Realist English). Nepal’s government lifted its ban on social media platforms Tuesday, one day after police opened fire on mass protests against the restrictions, killing at least 19 people and wounding scores more.
Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in the capital and closed schools following the bloodshed. Curfews were also declared in two other cities.
The ban, introduced last week, blocked access to Facebook¹, X and YouTube after the platforms refused to comply with new rules requiring registration and government oversight. The measure triggered widespread anger, with tens of thousands taking to the streets of Kathmandu. Demonstrators surrounded the Parliament building, waving national flags and chanting: “Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media.” Organizers dubbed the rallies the “protest of Gen Z.”
Doctors at the National Trauma Center said seven of the dead and many wounded had been admitted with gunshot injuries to the head and chest. “Many of them are in serious condition,” said Dr. Badri Risa, as families gathered outside hospitals and citizens queued to donate blood.
Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli announced the formation of an investigative committee to deliver findings within 15 days, promising compensation for victims’ families and free treatment for the injured. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned late Monday at an emergency Cabinet meeting.
The unrest highlights deep public opposition to Nepal’s broader attempt to regulate online platforms. A draft bill before parliament would require social media firms to appoint local liaison offices and comply with government demands to remain “responsible and accountable.” Rights groups have denounced the plan as censorship targeting dissent.
Neither Google, which owns YouTube, nor Meta², the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, responded to requests for comment. Elon Musk’s X platform did not respond either. TikTok, Viber and three other platforms have registered under the new rules and continue to operate.
Nepal previously banned TikTok in 2023 for allegedly undermining “social harmony,” but lifted the measure last year after the company pledged compliance with local laws.
¹ Facebook has been blocked in Russia since March 2022 following the conflict in Ukraine.
² In Russia, Meta Platforms Inc. (which owns Facebook and Instagram) has been designated an extremist organization and its activities are banned.
