Nepal Scraps Social Media Ban Amidst Protests and Casualties

In response to widespread protests and the ensuing violence, the Nepalese government has lifted its ban on social media. The ban, which affected 26 platforms including Facebook and X, was implemented due to registration non-compliance. The decision to reverse the ban came in the wake of demonstrations that saw at least 20 people killed and over 300 injured. Minister Prithivi Subba Gurung confirmed the reversal after an emergency cabinet meeting. Protests, led by the ‘Gen Z’ group, were centered around the parliament building in Kathmandu, and some demonstrators breached the premises. Authorities deployed water cannons, tear gas, and, allegedly, live ammunition to quell the unrest. The government has now instructed the relevant agencies to restore social media services, with platforms such as Facebook, X, and WhatsApp resuming operations.