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After violent protests, Nepal government lifts ban on social media

Three days ago, the Nepal government ordered to ban 26 social media sites, including Facebook and ‘X’, over their failure to register with the Nepal government.

Kathmandu: The Nepal government on Monday announced that it has withdrawn its earlier decision to ban social media sites amid violent protests by youths that left at least 19 people dead and over 300 others injured.

Nepal Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that the government has withdrawn its earlier decision to ban social media sites following an emergency meeting of the Cabinet.

Gurung said the Ministry of Information has ordered the concerned agencies to start the process of resuming the social media sites as per the demands of the ‘Gen Z’, which spearheaded a massive protest in front of the Parliament in the heart of Kathmandu.

Ban on 26 social media sites

Three days ago, the Nepal government ordered to ban of 26 social media sites, including Facebook and ‘X’, over their failure to register with the Nepal government.

The minister also requested the protesting ‘Gen Z’ group to withdraw their protest programme.

The demonstration on Monday turned violent when some protesters entered the Parliament complex, prompting police to use water cannons, tear gas, and live rounds to disperse crowds, eyewitnesses said.

Meanwhile, social media sites such as Facebook, ‘X’ and WhatsApp have come back into operation from Monday night.

This post was last modified on September 9, 2025 7:03 am

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Press Trust of India

Press Trust of India (PTI) is India’s premier news agency, having a reach as vast as the Indian Railways. It employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.

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