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Nepal Internet Crackdown Part of Global Trend Toward Suppressing Online Freedom
The Nepal government lifted the ban following protests that led to at least 20 deaths and over 250 injuries, highlighting tensions over new social media registration laws.
- Last week, the KP Sharma Oli government banned 26 social media platforms and messaging apps, including X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Pinterest, Signal, and Instagram.
- The communications ministry said platforms had seven days to register following a court order and were deactivated when none complied, aiming to curb misinformation and boost accountability.
- Thousands poured into Kathmandu, where Gen Z protesters stormed Parliament; violent clashes spread nationwide, prompting army deployment, curfews in Kathmandu, Birgunj, Pokhara, Butwal, Damak, and leaving at least 20 dead with over 250 injured.
- The government lifted the ban Tuesday, a day after deadly protests, while Proton VPN signups surged 8,000% as ordinary Nepalis and small businesses sought workarounds.
- Critics warn the ban is an attack on free speech and a step toward digital censorship, while privacy advocates caution registration may enable surveillance of activists and journalists; Freedom House frames Nepal's action as part of a global decline in internet freedom.
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Associated Press News+32 Reposted by 32 other sources
Nepal internet crackdown part of global trend toward suppressing online freedom
Nepal’s crackdown on social media companies, which led to protests and police killing at least 19 people Monday, is part of a yearslong decline of internet freedoms around the world as even democracies seek to curtail online speech.
·United States
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Nepal Internet Crackdown Part of Global Trend Toward Suppressing Online Freedom
Nepal's crackdown on social media companies, which led to protests and police killing at least 19 people, is part of a yearslong decline of internet freedoms around the world as even democracies seek to curtail online speech.
·New York, United States
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The Nepalese government has raised the ban on socialisation platforms last night, after thousands of young people have been forced into the Kathmandu Parliament, protesting restrictions and corruption.
·Bucharest, Romania
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Total News Sources40
Leaning Left12Leaning Right3Center18Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
55% Center
L 36%
C 55%
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