Editor's Note: The story has been revised to include the latest developments.
Nepal has reversed a nationwide social media ban after massive youth-led "Gen Z" protests left at least 19 people dead and over 100 injured.
Nepal Reverses Social Media Ban Amid Deadly Protests
The ban, imposed last week after major platforms failed to meet new registration rules, cut access to 26 sites, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X, formerly Twitter, reported TechCrunch.
Late on Monday, Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the reversal following widespread outrage.
Following this, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said the violence was fueled by infiltrators, while stressing the government was not against young people's demands.
Social Media Shutdown Sparks Youth Anger
Authorities last week restricted access to Facebook, Meta Platforms, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:META) Instagram and WhatsApp, Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) YouTube, ByteDance-owned TikTok, Snap Inc.'s (NYSE:SNAP) Snapchat, Micrososft Corporation's (NASDAQ:MSFT) LinkedIn, Reddit Inc. (NYSE:RDDT), and other apps, saying companies had failed to register under new rules designed to curb misinformation and online fraud.
About 90% of Nepal's 30 million citizens use the internet, making the blackout a shock to daily life, reported Reuters.
"Shut down corruption and not social media," read placards carried by student protesters in Kathmandu.
Demonstrators — many wearing school or college uniforms — broke through barricades outside parliament, set an ambulance on fire and clashed with riot police who responded with tear gas, batons and rubber bullets, the report said.
Meta, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, Snap and LinkedIn did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.
Casualties And Resignation
Officials confirmed at least 19 deaths, including two in the eastern city of Itahari and more than 100 injuries. Among the wounded were 28 police officers, the report added.
Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, citing "moral responsibility" for the violence, while Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting to address the crisis.
Human Rights Groups Sound Alarm
International organizations condemned the government's response. UN Human Rights urged Nepal to prioritize peaceful dialogue over force.
Corruption And Political Instability Fuel Discontent
Organizers dubbed the unrest "demonstrations by Gen Z," pointing to youth frustration with corruption, nepotism and a lack of economic opportunities, the report said.
Thousands of Nepalis leave annually for work and education abroad, reflecting weak job creation at home.
Photo Courtesy: zakir1346 on Shutterstock.com
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
