Nepal Ends Social Media Ban After Protests Kill 19
- Nepal's Communications and Details Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the ban's withdrawal.
- Nepal has lifted its ban on social media platforms following widespread protests and clashes with security forces that resulted in at least 19 deaths, according to a government...
- The government had previously blocked access to 26 social media sites,including popular platforms like WhatsApp,Facebook,Instagram,LinkedIn,and YouTube.
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Nepal’s Communications and Details Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the ban’s withdrawal.
published September 9, 2025
Background
Nepal has lifted its ban on social media platforms following widespread protests and clashes with security forces that resulted in at least 19 deaths, according to a government minister. The decision to roll back the ban was announced early Tuesday by Cabinet spokesman and minister of Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung.
The government had previously blocked access to 26 social media sites,including popular platforms like WhatsApp,Facebook,Instagram,LinkedIn,and YouTube.
Protests and Violence
the protests were sparked by concerns over corruption and the government’s initial decision to ban social media. Thousands of young peopel took to the streets on Monday, leading to clashes with Nepalese security forces. At least 19 people were killed and over 100 injured in the confrontations, as reported by Al jazeera.
Government Response
“We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now,” Gurung told the Reuters news agency. The lifting of the ban marks a reversal of the government’s earlier policy.