Nepal Lifts Ban on Social Media Platforms Amidst Violent Protests

Strategic Insights -

Nepal's government was forced to lift a ban on social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, after violent street protests left at least 19 people dead and scores wounded. The protests erupted in response to a government attempt to regulate social media with a bill aimed at ensuring platforms are "properly managed, responsible, and accountable." Critics have condemned the proposal as a tool for censorship and a way to punish government opponents who voice their protests online.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 19 people were killed and scores wounded in violent street protests in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, as the government attempted to regulate social media.
  • The government had blocked several social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, after repeatedly giving them notices to register their companies officially in Nepal.
  • The proposed bill requires social media companies to appoint a liaison office or point of contact in the country, which has been criticized as an attempt to curb freedom of expression and fundamental rights.
  • Rights groups have condemned the bill, citing it as a tool for censorship and a way to punish government opponents who voice their protests online.
  • The government's decision to lift the ban on social media platforms came after a massive rally, known as the protest of Gen Z, which drew tens of thousands of people to the streets outside Parliament.
  • The National Trauma Center received seven of those killed and scores of the wounded, with many appearing to have been shot in the head and chest.
  • Families waited anxiously outside for news of their relatives, while people lined up to donate blood, with chants of "Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media" echoing through the streets.

Statistics:

  • At least 19 people were killed in the violent protests.
  • Scores of people were wounded, with many being treated at the National Trauma Center.
  • Sunday's rally drew tens of thousands of people to the streets outside Parliament in Kathmandu.
  • Seven of those killed were received at the National Trauma Center.
  • Many of those wounded appeared to have been shot in the head and chest.

Sources:

  • Kyodo News
  • Bernama
  • The Associated Press
  • The government of Nepal