The Nepal government has lifted its recently imposed ban on social media platforms following violent protests led largely by Gen Z demonstrators. The unrest, which escalated into clashes with police, claimed 19 lives and forced the administration into an emergency review.
Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the rollback late on Monday, stating that the government had "decided to open social media by addressing the demand of Gen-Z."
The reversal came after an urgent cabinet meeting, though Gurung clarified that the government did not regret its earlier decision to restrict online platforms.
"Since protests were being staged using this issue as a pretext, the decision has been taken to reopen social media sites," he added.
The abrupt ban had drawn widespread criticism from youth activists, civil society groups, and international observers, with many warning that restrictions on digital freedom risked further destabilizing the country.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)