Protests lead to the lifting of social media restrictions in Nepal

In a significant move, the government of Nepal has lifted the ban on social media that was imposed last week. The ban, which affected platforms such as Facebook, was due to those platforms failing to register with the government, amid a crackdown on fake IDs, misinformation, and hate speech.

The announcement was made by the Cabinet spokesperson and Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, who stated that social media is now operational. The decision comes after a series of protests, primarily organised by the Gen Z generation, that resulted in 19 deaths and over 100 injuries.

The protests were triggered by the social media ban and reflected young people's widespread frustration with the government's perceived lack of action to tackle corruption and boost economic opportunities. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed sadness over the incidents of violence and attributed the violence to "infiltration from different selfish centres."

To ensure transparency and accountability, an investigation panel will be established to determine the causes of the events, assess losses, and suggest measures to prevent future incidents. The panel has a 15-day deadline. The government has also pledged to offer free treatment for the injured and provide relief for the families of the deceased.

Organisers of the protests referred to them as "demonstrations by Gen Z." Despite the lifting of the ban, the search results do not provide information about the composition of the investigation commission to be established within 15 days.

This decision marks a turning point in Nepal's digital landscape and is a response to the public outcry against the social media ban. The government's actions will be closely watched as they navigate the complex issues of digital rights, corruption, and public safety.