Kathmandu, September 9, 2025 — The Nepal government has lifted its ban on social media platforms after violent protests led by young demonstrators turned deadly, leaving 19 people dead in clashes with police.

The announcement came late Monday night from Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, after an emergency cabinet meeting. He said the government had decided to restore access to social media “to address the demand of Gen Z protesters.” At the same time, he insisted the government did not regret its earlier decision to shut the platforms down.

According to Mr Gurung, the protests had been triggered using the ban as a reason, and reopening social media was a step to calm the situation. He also appealed directly to the youth protesters to end their demonstrations.

The cabinet has set up an inquiry committee to investigate the day’s violence. The team has been given 15 days to submit its report.

Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli also addressed the issue. He revealed that one platform, X (formerly Twitter), had “disrespected Nepal’s sovereignty” by refusing to register in the country despite repeated requests. He said the government had asked major platforms for over a year to comply with national laws but many had ignored the directive.

Last week, Nepal blocked access to several social media services after the companies failed to meet registration deadlines under new rules aimed at curbing online abuse, misinformation, and fraud. Reports said the ban affected Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Snapchat, Pinterest, and Tencent platforms, though TikTok remained accessible.

Earlier Monday, authorities had imposed a curfew near the parliament building after thousands of protesters attempted to storm the complex. Police used batons, water cannons, and rubber bullets to control the crowd. Demonstrators carried signs reading, “Unban social media” and “Shut down corruption, not social media.” Many accused the government of ignoring corruption scandals while targeting online spaces used by ordinary citizens.

Videos contrasting the difficult lives of regular Nepalis with the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children had gone viral on TikTok in recent weeks, fueling anger. Protesters said the government feared a wider anti-corruption movement.

International concern grew after the violence. The United Nations condemned the deaths and injuries, calling for a swift, transparent investigation into the clashes.

Nepal has a history of banning apps to curb fraud and unrest. Telegram was blocked last year, while TikTok faced a nine-month ban before being restored in August after agreeing to new regulations.
Nepal Lifts Social Media Ban After Deadly Protests

Nepal’s government has reopened access to major social media apps after protests led by Gen Z turned violent, leaving 19 people dead. The ban was imposed last week when platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp failed to register under new rules.

Officials say the move to lift restrictions is meant to calm tensions, but also insist they don’t regret the earlier shutdown. A probe committee has been formed, while the UN has urged a transparent investigation into the deadly clashes.

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