Nepal has lifted its controversial ban on social media platforms after it triggered mass protests that left at least 19 people dead and more than 100 injured.
The unrest followed weeks of online campaigns criticizing corruption and highlighting the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children. When the government moved to block 26 social media platforms — including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube — thousands of mostly young protesters stormed parliament in Kathmandu on Monday. Authorities imposed curfews across several districts as violence escalated.
Government Concedes to Public Pressure
A government minister said the ban was lifted after an emergency late-night meeting to “address the demands of Gen Z.” The ban had originally been justified as an attempt to curb disinformation, hate speech, and online fraud.
Despite that explanation, protesters accused the government of authoritarian behavior. Demonstrators carried signs reading “enough is enough” and “end to corruption.” Some even hurled stones at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s house in his hometown.
Police fired water cannons, rubber bullets, and batons to disperse the crowds on Monday. Oli expressed sadness over the casualties, blaming “infiltration by various vested interest groups.” He promised an investigation and pledged financial relief for families of the dead and medical care for the injured.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday evening following sharp criticism over the government’s heavy-handed response.
What The Author Thinks
The violence in Nepal shows that banning social media rarely solves the problems governments hope to control. Instead, it often amplifies frustration, especially among young people who already feel shut out by corruption and inequality. Platforms like Facebook and YouTube aren’t just for entertainment in Nepal — they’re lifelines for communication, news, and business. Cutting them off pushed a generation already angry about corruption into the streets, and the human cost was devastating.
Featured image credit: Samrat Khadka via Unsplash
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