📌 Key Facts

• Social Media Ban Lifted: After deadly protests, Nepal's government lifted a ban on social media platforms that had sparked mass outrage. The ban was enforced due to failure to comply with a new law requiring government oversight of social networks.
• Protests and Violence: Protests surged across Nepal, culminating in a rally in Kathmandu where police opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in 19 deaths and numerous injuries. The response from the government included an indefinite curfew and the closure of schools.
• Government Accountability: Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli stated that an investigation would be conducted regarding the police's actions during the protests. He also promised compensation to the families of victims and free medical treatment for the injured.
• Concerns Over Censorship: The social media regulation bill has drawn criticism from rights groups, who view it as a potential tool for state censorship aimed at silencing dissent. The requirement for platforms to register with the government has raised fears about freedom of expression.
• Previous Social Media Regulation Efforts: This incident follows a history of social media regulation in Nepal, including a past ban on TikTok which was lifted after compliance promises. The current government's approach to social media suggests an ongoing struggle between regulation and civil liberties.

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