Nepal Social Media Ban Protests Turn Deadly

Deadly protests erupted in Nepal after the government, led by Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli, imposed a ban on several social media platforms, including Meta Platforms, Meta Platforms — Instagram, Meta Platforms — WhatsApp, and X (social network), citing their failure to register under new regulations. The ban, coupled with widespread public frustration over alleged corruption and lack of economic opportunities, led to thousands of young people taking to the streets in Kathmandu and other cities. Clashes with police resulted in at least 19 deaths and over 100 injuries, with police using tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. The army was deployed, and curfews were imposed in affected areas. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking moral responsibility for the violence. International organizations like Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the government's actions, warning about impacts on human rights and press freedom. ByteDance — TikTok Shop, which complied with registration, became a key tool for protest mobilization.