In a surprising turn of events, Nepal has decided to lift a controversial ban on social media platforms that was implemented just a week ago. This decision comes in the wake of widespread protests, primarily led by the younger generation, which tragically resulted in the loss of at least 19 lives.
The initial ban restricted access to 26 popular platforms, including major sites like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. This drastic measure was taken after the government issued a directive on August 25, mandating foreign social media companies to register their operations in Nepal and appoint a local representative within a week. When many platforms failed to meet this requirement, the government swiftly cut off access.
On Monday, Nepal’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, announced the reversal of the ban, attributing the decision to the overwhelming public backlash against the government’s actions.
The announcement came shortly after thousands of demonstrators, many of whom were students, took to the streets across the nation, demanding an end to the social media blackout. The protests escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement in various regions, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities, as reported by local news outlets.
In a statement, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli acknowledged that the protests had turned violent due to the involvement of certain disruptive elements, but emphasized that the government was not opposed to the aspirations of the youth.
International bodies, including the United Nations and various human rights organizations, had previously expressed their concerns regarding the ban and the government’s handling of the protests. They urged the authorities to uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
Some social media platforms, such as TikTok and Viber, were not impacted by the ban, as they had complied with the government’s registration requirements.
This incident is part of a larger trend of government attempts to regulate digital platforms in Nepal. Earlier this year, the government faced significant backlash over a proposed social media bill that remains under consideration. This legislation includes severe penalties for posts considered detrimental to national interests, raising alarms about potential threats to press freedom and digital expression.