Nepal lifts ban on social media after Gen Z protests

KATHMANDU: Nepal has lifted the ban on social media as the Gen Z protests against the government intensified. All the 26 social media platforms banned have been restored. The decision was after 19 people were killed and over 300 injured in security forces firing on protesters marching to parliament.

Nepal's Information and Broadcasting Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced after an emergency cabinet meeting that the government has withdrawn its earlier decision to ban social media. Gurung said the ministry has ordered relevant agencies to start the process of resuming social media in line with the demands of Gen Z. He also requested youths to withdraw from the protests. The Nepal government has announced an inquiry into the protests. A special committee has been appointed to investigate and directed to submit a report within 15 days.

Educational institutions in Nepal have been closed indefinitely following the protests. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking responsibility for the law-and-order situation. The Supreme Court had ruled that restrictions can be imposed to prevent misuse of social media in a way that is detrimental to national security. Based on this, a law was implemented to register social media platforms in Nepal. The deadline was from August 28 to September 4. 26 platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and WhatsApp did not complete the process accordingly. With this, the ban was imposed.