Nepal’s government lifted a sweeping social media ban on Monday, days after protests against the restrictions turned deadly, leaving at least 19 people dead and more than 100 injured. The decision comes amid growing anger from young Nepalese, who have long used platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for news, entertainment, and business.
The protests followed the government’s move to block 26 social media platforms that had failed to register with Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Officials had justified the ban as a necessary step to curb online fraud, hate speech, and the spread of false information.
But for many young people, the ban was only the spark. A viral “nepo kid” campaign had already shone a spotlight on the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and widespread corruption in the government. Demonstrators took to the streets of Kathmandu on Monday, storming parliament and demanding accountability. Some even hurled stones at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s house in his hometown of Damak.
Sabana Budathoki, a protester in the capital, said the ban was “just the reason” people gathered. “Rather than [the] social media ban, I think everyone’s focus is on corruption. We want our country back. We came to stop corruption,” she said, echoing the sentiment of thousands who held placards reading “enough is enough” and “end to corruption.”
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Police responded with water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets, escalating the confrontations that had already left the city tense. Prime Minister Oli expressed his sorrow over the violence, blaming the chaos on “infiltration by various vested interest groups,” and promised a government panel to investigate the unrest. He also pledged financial support for the families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured.
In the wake of the violence, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak submitted his resignation, acknowledging criticism over the security forces’ handling of the protests.
The ban’s reversal came after an emergency meeting late Monday night, aimed at “addressing the demands of Gen Z,” according to government officials. The episode underscores the power of social media in shaping political engagement, especially among the youth, and highlights the delicate balance governments face when regulating online spaces in an era of rapid digital connectivity.
As Nepal navigates the aftermath, the protests have revealed a generational clash over transparency, corruption, and freedom of expression, raising urgent questions about how the government will respond to demands for accountability in the months ahead.