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**Nepal Rocked by Deadly Protests Over Social Media Ban**

**Kathmandu, Nepal** – At least 14 people are dead and over 100 injured as widespread protests erupt across Nepal in response to the government’s ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The ban, enacted after the companies failed to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology by an August 28th deadline, has ignited fury among Nepalese citizens, many of whom rely on these platforms for business and communication.

The initial protests, which began in Kathmandu, have since spread to other regions, prompting the government to impose curfews in sensitive areas like Baneshwor and Singhadurbar. Police have deployed rubber bullets and tear gas to quell the demonstrations, which have evolved into a broader movement against government corruption and perceived authoritarianism.

“We were triggered by the social media ban, but that is not the only reason we are gathered here,” said Yujan Rajbhandari, a 24-year-old student, to AFP. “We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalized in Nepal.”

The ban stems from a Supreme Court order requiring social media giants to establish local points of contact and appoint resident grievance officers. While platforms like TikTok, Viber and others have complied, industry giants like Meta and Alphabet have not registered.

As the unrest intensifies, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has convened an emergency cabinet meeting. The army has been deployed to New Baneshwor amidst escalating violence. While the government stated it respects freedom of expression, it had previously blocked Telegram citing concerns over fraud and money laundering. The protests highlight a growing tension between the government’s desire to regulate online activity and the public’s reliance on these platforms.

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