Nepal Reverses Social Media Ban After Violence and Outcry

Government Retreats from Social Media Ban After Violent Nepal Protests Spark Domestic Outrage and Global Concern

Nepal's government removed a ban on major social media platforms after days of violence and street protests that killed several individuals and injured dozens.

The bans, which blocked sites like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube, were implemented last week as part of efforts to stem the rapid spread of misinformation and inflammatory content, which authorities stated was fueling tensions. The move, however, provoked a public outcry, leading to widespread street protests in Kathmandu and other cities.

Government Backtracks Amid Criticism After Deadly Unrest

The demonstrations turned violent, according to officials, after clashes erupted between security forces and protesters, resulting in several casualties.

Human rights activists condemned the government for what they called an overzealous display of force, and opposition parties blamed the governing coalition for suppressing free speech and trying to muzzle dissent in the name of ensuring order.

The office of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal announced late Sunday that the ban would be immediately lifted, to restore peace and address increasing domestic and international criticism.

"The government acknowledges the right of citizens to access information and be able to express themselves freely," the statement said. "Though we are still committed to fighting obscene online material, we will seek more balanced approaches that do not violate basic freedoms."

Civil Society Pressure Forces Government To Relent

The decision followed protests from civil society groups, media organizations, and international bodies, including the United Nations, all of which called for Nepal to respect online rights without imposing blanket censorship.

Diplomats from neighboring India and Western missions were also reported to have urged restraint and cautioned that prolonged communication cuts would harm Nepal's reputation as a democracy and impact foreign investment.

Protest organizers greeted the ban's removal but said their campaign will go on until the government holds people accountable for the fatalities during the unrest. "We cannot be joyful while families are mourning," commented activist Suman Gautam, who has been leading the protests. "Access to social media is significant, but justice for the victims is more pressing."

The incident highlights Nepal's growing struggle to maintain online freedom, with concerns over misinformation and security, according to analysts. The country's internet penetration has increased dramatically over the past few years, turning platforms into a primary tool for political mobilization, but also a conduit for rumors and ethnic or religious tensions.

Can Nepal Strike a Balance Between Free Speech and Security?

Analysts also pointed out that the government's retreat reflected the intense political pressure it is under as inflation rises, jobs dwindle, and people continue to express discontent with the government.

"The social media ban was a misjudgment," said political analyst Devendra Sharma. "Not only did it not manage to contain unrest, but it also fueled public rage. To roll it back was the only choice.

As regular online connectivity returns, governments have committed to collaborating with technology firms and civil society to build improved mechanisms for content management and crisis messaging. For the time being, however, Nepalis are just happy to catch up with loved ones, friends, and the world at large after seven days of cybersilence.