Nepal Lifts Social Media Ban Following Deadly Protests

Sun Oct 26 2025 17:43:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Nepali government reverses its ban on major social media platforms after clashes lead to at least 19 fatalities during protests against government efforts to regulate online content.

Amid widespread anger over proposed social media regulations, the Nepali government rescinded its ban on Facebook, X, and YouTube within 24 hours after protests erupted in Kathmandu, resulting in loss of life. Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli's administration faced intense backlash, with the Home Minister resigning shortly after. The clampdown on social media had been justified as a measure to ensure accountability, but critics deemed it a pretext for censorship. The situation has escalated, prompting heightened security measures, including a curfew.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — The Nepali government lifted its ban on major social media platforms on Tuesday, just a day after violent protests resulted in at least 19 casualties. Major platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube had been blocked last week, triggering a massive demonstration in the capital city, Kathmandu, on Monday.

The violent clashes erupted when police opened fire on demonstrators voicing their opposition to proposed government regulations aimed at overseeing social media content. Following the outrage, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned during an emergency Cabinet meeting called by Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli.

Tens of thousands gathered outside Parliament, chanting against the government’s actions and expressing frustration over the perceived lack of accountability from social media companies that had not registered with local authorities. Reports indicate that many of those shot during the protests suffered serious injuries, prompting an urgent response from medical facilities such as the National Trauma Center in central Kathmandu.

The proposed regulations from the government included requirements for social media companies to appoint liaisons in Nepal and adhere to local laws. Critics argue that these measures are intended to stifle dissent and curtail freedom of expression. Meanwhile, the government declared a curfew in key areas, including around Parliament and prominent government buildings, to quell further unrest.

While services for platforms like TikTok and Viber remained uninterrupted after their registration efforts, the inability of larger platforms to comply led to their recent ban. Following the unrest, neither Google (owner of YouTube) nor Meta (the parent company of Facebook) commented on the developments.

Protesters continued to demand the restoration of freedoms, chanting slogans like “Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media.” This ongoing conflict underscores the tension between the lawful governance of information platforms and the preservation of basic human rights within the region.