Nepal Lifts Social Media Ban After Gen Z-Led Protests Leave 19 Dead

Nepal’s government has lifted its controversial ban on social media platforms after nationwide protests, led largely by Gen Z, escalated into deadly violence that left 19 people dead and dozens injured.

In a late-night announcement, Communication and Information Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that the ban had been revoked following an emergency cabinet meeting, according to NDTV.

"The government has already decided to open social media by addressing the demand of Gen-Z," he said, while also maintaining that authorities did not regret their initial decision.

"Since protests were being staged using this issue as a pretext, the decision has been taken to reopen social media sites," Gurung added, urging demonstrators to call off their agitation.

The cabinet has formed a 15 day inquiry committee to investigate the violence.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli defended the government’s earlier stance, pointing to the refusal of X to register in Nepal.

"We had been saying this for one and a half years. We had asked them to get listed. We had asked them to comply with Nepal's laws. It is a matter of respecting our national sovereignty," he said.

The ban, introduced last week after major platforms failed to meet registration requirements, had cut access to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Snapchat, Pinterest and X.

Officials argued that unregulated use of such sites enabled hate speech, fake accounts and fraud.

But the blackout triggered mass demonstrations in Kathmandu, where protesters marched with placards reading "Shut down corruption and not social media" and "Youths against corruption".

The United Nations condemned the bloodshed. "We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation," UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said.

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Also Read: Explained: What Led To Nepal's Social Media Ban That Is Driving The 'Gen-Z Protests' Against KP Sharma Oli's Government