Nepal reverses social media ban as protests turn deadly

In a significant policy shift, Nepal has rescinded a recent ban on social media that had triggered massive protests across the nation. The ban, which restricted access to 26 platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, was enacted following a government directive requiring foreign social media companies to register their operations within the country and designate a local representative within a week. The government’s decision to cut access came after most platforms failed to meet this deadline. However, the backlash was swift and severe. Thousands of demonstrators, primarily students clad in school uniforms, took to the streets to voice their opposition to the social media restrictions. The protests escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement, resulting in at least 19 fatalities and over 100 injuries, as reported by local news outlets. In response to the mounting public outrage, Nepal’s Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the lifting of the ban late on Monday. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stated that the violence that erupted during the protests was due to the involvement of certain groups, emphasizing that the government does not oppose the aspirations of the youth. The international community, including the United Nations and various human rights organizations like Amnesty International, had expressed serious concerns regarding the ban and the government's heavy-handed response. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged authorities to uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. The initial ban was part of a wider initiative by the Nepalese government to regulate digital platforms, following a directive that also excluded platforms like TikTok and Viber, which had already complied with local registration requirements. Earlier this year, the government faced backlash over a proposed social media bill that includes harsh penalties for posts perceived as undermining national interests. Critics, including the International Federation of Journalists, warn that such legislation could severely threaten press freedom and digital rights in the country.