Nepal Eases Social Media Restrictions Following Deadly Protests

Sat Sep 13 2025 23:09:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Protests erupt in Nepal against a government ban on social media, leading to clashes that result in multiple fatalities and injuries. The government temporarily lifts the ban after public outcry.

Amid rising tensions and significant backlash against a recent ban on social media platforms, the Nepalese government has lifted its restrictions following protests that left 19 dead and over 100 injured. The unrest was primarily fueled by a campaign against political corruption involving the children of officials, which resonated deeply with the youth. Prime Minister Oli expressed sorrow over the casualties and initiated an investigation into the events surrounding the protests.

Nepal has lifted a social media ban, which sparked protests and led to clashes with police that left at least 19 people dead and injured more than 100 others.

In the weeks prior to the ban, a 'nepo kid' campaign, spotlighting the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children and allegations of corruption, gained traction on social media.

When the government moved to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, protests erupted with thousands of young people storming parliament in Kathmandu on Monday. Several districts are now under a curfew.

A government minister said they lifted the ban after an emergency meeting late on Monday night to 'address the demands of Gen Z.'

Last week, Nepal's government ordered authorities to block 26 social media platforms for not complying with a deadline to register with Nepal's ministry of communication and information technology.

Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have millions of users in Nepal, who rely on them for entertainment, news, and business.

But the government justified its ban, implemented last week, in the name of tackling fake news, hate speech, and online fraud.

Youths protesting the ban viewed it as part of a broader authoritarian stance by the government, carrying placards with messages like 'enough is enough' and 'end to corruption.'

Protesters reported throwing stones at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's hometown residence. One protester, Sabana Budathoki, told the BBC that the social media ban was merely a catalyst for their demonstration.

'Rather than [the] social media ban, I think everyone's focus is on corruption,' she stated, asserting their goal was to reclaim the country from corruption.

On Monday, police in Kathmandu deployed water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets to control the crowds. Prime Minister Oli expressed his deep sorrow over the violence and casualties, attributing the disorder to 'infiltration by various vested interest groups.'

In response to the backlash, the government will investigate the protests and provide financial aid to the families of the deceased and free medical treatment to those injured. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has resigned amid criticism over the handling of the situation.