The government of Nepal has rescinded its ban on several social media platforms after massive protests that led to violence and the death of 19 individuals. According to Bloomberg, last week, Nepal prohibited access to platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube due to their unregistered status in the country.
The government claimed that the new regulations were aimed at combating fake news and cybercrime. However, protesters argued that these measures reflect authoritarian tendencies and the government’s failure to address widespread corruption. Protests in the capital Kathmandu escalated into clashes between police and demonstrators, where law enforcement used tear gas and water cannons. Nepal’s Minister of Communication, Prithvi Subba Gurung, announced the lifting of the ban following an emergency Cabinet meeting, stating it was a response to protester demands. The government has also formed a committee to investigate the violence and has allowed 15 days for a report to be prepared.