Nepal Government Lifts Social Media Ban After Protests

Nepal's government has lifted a social media ban imposed after protests erupted against the move, resulting in at least 19 deaths and over 100 injuries. The ban was implemented to tackle fake news, hate speech, and online fraud, but was seen as an authoritarian move by the government. Protests were sparked by a 'nepo kid' campaign highlighting the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children and allegations of corruption. The government has agreed to address the demands of Gen Z and has set up a panel to investigate the protests.

The Nepal government has lifted a ban on social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, after deadly protests led to 19 deaths and dozens of injuries. The ban was imposed due to the platforms' failure to register officially in Nepal. Protesters, largely from Gen Z, rallied against the ban and alleged government corruption, chanting 'Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media.' The government's justification for the shutdown was that social media companies had not adhered to demands to register officially. A bill was sent to parliament to ensure social media networks are 'properly managed, responsible and accountable,' but it has been criticized as a tool for censorship. The protests turned violent in the capital, Kathmandu, with police firing tear gas and using water cannons, while protesters pushed through fencing and forced riot police to retreat.

Nepal's government lifted its ban on social media platforms after police killed 19 people during mass protests against the ban. The ban was imposed after social media companies failed to comply with a new requirement to register and submit to government oversight. The protests, which drew tens of thousands, turned violent when police opened fire on demonstrators. The government has formed an investigating committee and offered compensation to the families of those killed.

The article reports on the violent crackdown by Nepal's government on a youth-led protest against corruption and censorship, resulting in at least 19 deaths and over 300 injuries. The protests were sparked by a government ban on 26 major social media platforms. The police used lethal force, firing on unarmed protesters, including students in uniform, and beating them with batons. Human rights monitors have condemned the use of force as unlawful and disproportionate. The protesters, largely from Gen Z, are demanding the government take responsibility for the violence and casualties.