Nepal has lifted a nationwide social media ban less than 24 hours after massive anti-corruption protests, sparked by the ban itself, left 19 people dead and more than 100 injured, officials said Tuesday.
Cabinet spokesperson and Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that access to social media platforms was restored on Tuesday morning. “We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now,” he told Reuters.
The rollback comes after Monday’s violent “Gen Z” protests in Kathmandu and other cities, where demonstrators—mostly young people—took to the streets against corruption and lack of opportunities. Authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew in the capital to prevent further unrest.
“No protests, mass gatherings, meetings, or assemblies of people will be allowed during the curfew,” said Kathmandu district administrator Chhabilal Rijal. Lalitpur district also imposed a curfew until midnight Tuesday.
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli expressed sorrow over the deaths, blaming the unrest on “infiltration from different selfish centres.” He announced relief for families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured, while pledging an investigation panel to report within 15 days.
The protests were triggered after the government blocked access to major social media platforms last week, including Facebook, citing their failure to register locally amid a crackdown on fake accounts, misinformation, and hate speech.
Protest organisers described the movement as “demonstrations by Gen Z,” reflecting frustration among Nepal’s youth over corruption and limited economic prospects.
