Nepal reverses social media ban as protests turn deadly

Nepal took a dramatic role, as it reflected the social media ban that he imposed last week after the decision sparked “Gen Z” protests at the country level, which was said to have left at least 19 people.

The ban, which prevented access to 26 platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X, was imposed, after directing August 25, which requires foreign social media companies to register their operations in Nepal and appoint a local contact within seven days. When most platforms failed to comply by the deadline, the government reduced arrival last week.

Late Monday, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Nepal Breithvi Soba Gurong told correspondents that the government had canceled social media ban in response to public anger.

A reflection on Monday came a few hours after thousands of people, as many students were immersed in the school uniform, the streets via Nepal, demanding an end to the immersion on social media. The youth -led protests escalated into violent clashes with the security forces in several areas, which led to the death of at least 19 protesters and left more than 100 other people, according to local media reports.

In a statement late on Monday, the Prime Minister in Nepal K. said.

International organizations, including the United Nations and human rights groups such as Amnesty International, have raised concerns earlier about the ban and the government’s response to protests.

“We call on the authorities to respect and guarantee the rights of the peace assembly and freedom of expression,” the United Nations High Commissioner for the United Nations Office said in a statement on Monday.

Some platforms, such as Tiktok and the group -owned Rakuten, were not affected by the ban, as the government stated that it had already complied to direct and record it locally.

Social media restrictions are part of a wider government effort to regulate digital platforms. Earlier this year, the Nepal government faced widespread anger over the proposed social media bill, which is still awaiting approval. The legislation includes sentences for imprisonment and fines for jobs “that are against national sovereignty or benefit.” The International Federation of Journalists said that the proposal “threatens to undermine freedom of the press and digital expression.”