Nepal Ends Social Media Ban After 19 Killed in Deadly Protests
- Publish date: Tuesday، 09 September 2025 Reading time: 1 min read
Platforms go live again after 19 killed in violent rallies over online restrictions.
- Related articles
- Qatar Condemns Killing of Lebanese Journalists
- 'It Ends With Us' Movie Banned in Qatar Over Kissing Scenes
- Red Dye Cast in Fountains at Capitol Hill for Netanyahu
Nepal has lifted its nationwide social media ban just a day after violent protests shook the capital, leaving at least 19 people dead and dozens injured.
What Happened
The government had blocked major platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube last week, demanding they register officially in Nepal. That move sparked a huge rally in Kathmandu on Monday, where police opened fire on protesters gathered around Parliament.
By late Monday, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned during an emergency Cabinet meeting, and the ban was rolled back the next day.
Why the Uproar?
Nepal’s government is pushing a new bill to “regulate” social media, saying platforms must be properly managed and accountable. Rights groups, however, argue it’s a censorship tool aimed at silencing critics.
Crowds at the protest — dubbed the “Gen Z rally” — chanted, “Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media,” as they waved Nepal’s red-and-blue flags.
Who’s Complying and Who’s Not
So far, TikTok, Viber, and a few others have registered with the government and kept operating. But big players like Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Google (YouTube), and Elon Musk’s X haven’t responded to Nepal’s demands.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t Nepal’s first clash with social media. In 2023, TikTok was banned for “disrupting social harmony” but later reinstated after promising compliance with local laws. With the new bill looming, more battles over online freedom seem inevitable.
This article was previously published on bahrainmoments. To see the original article, click here