“Log Off” Order, Logjam on the Streets: Nepal’s Social Media Ban Explained
What Nepal did
Citing non-compliance with new registration rules, Nepal moved to block 26 social media platforms—from Facebook and Instagram to WhatsApp, YouTube, and X. The regulator published the list; domestic outlets tracked who complied and who didn’t. Within days, the government lifted the ban amid nationwide protests and casualties.
Why it touched a nerve
The ban landed on a society where social apps are daily infrastructure for small businesses, families, and diaspora ties. Youth activists also said platforms had spotlighted allegations of elite privilege and corruption, amplifying anger. The restrictions collided with that sentiment, and demonstrations spiraled.
Cause → Effect
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Cause: Mandatory registration + enforcement sweep.
Effect: Connectivity shock—business pages dark, messaging disrupted, creators offline. -
Cause: Pre-existing frustration (jobs, costs, “nepo” politics).
Effect: Ban becomes a spark; protests swell; the government reverses the block and promises inquiries.
What’s next
Expect a push to rewrite the rulebook: clearer platform registration processes, guardrails on shutdowns, and dialogue with civil society. For businesses that went dark, the lesson is resilience—email lists, SMS backups, and multi-platform presence—so a single switch can’t cut the cord again.
