10.09.2025 14:18:00
Дата публикации
In early September, the government of Nepal decided to block more than two dozen popular social media platforms.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued a notice instructing the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to deactivate unregistered platforms until they comply. A total of 26 platforms, including Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube, were affected.
The decision followed a seven-day deadline given to all platforms: register or face shutdown. This marked the fifth attempt by the government to enforce registration under regulations widely criticized as undemocratic.
Officially, the ban was justified as a measure against disinformation, hate speech, and online fraud. But for millions of users—especially young people—it felt like a blow to free expression and access to information.
The response was swift. Thousands of Gen Z protesters took to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities, demanding the ban be lifted and calling for action against corruption. The protests quickly escalated.
At least 19 people were killed and over 100 injured in clashes. Among the victims were young activists, doctors, and bystanders. Tear gas even reached hospitals, complicating medical aid.
Only after these tragic events did the government reverse the ban. Platforms like TikTok and Viber remained accessible, but most were blocked until the decision was overturned.
Under public pressure and international criticism, Nepal’s Prime Minister resigned, followed by several ministers citing moral responsibility. Despite the reversal, protests continued.
The UN expressed deep concern. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the use of force and civilian deaths.
The UN emphasized that the rights to peaceful assembly and free expression must be protected, and any digital regulation must align with international human rights standards.
Eurasian Digital Foundation’s Position:
We believe that internet freedom is a fundamental right and must not be held hostage by undemocratic or ineffective policies. The “seven-day ultimatum” was a case study in failed digital governance.
Such measures do not strengthen digital sovereignty—they erode public trust and fuel instability.
That’s why the Eurasian Digital Foundation runs the campaign (shutdown.kz) against internet shutdowns, advocating for digital rights and fair online regulation.
Attempts to restrict expression and access through bans only worsen the problems. Nepal’s lesson is clear: the internet must remain open, free, and accessible to all.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued a notice instructing the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to deactivate unregistered platforms until they comply. A total of 26 platforms, including Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube, were affected.
The decision followed a seven-day deadline given to all platforms: register or face shutdown. This marked the fifth attempt by the government to enforce registration under regulations widely criticized as undemocratic.
Officially, the ban was justified as a measure against disinformation, hate speech, and online fraud. But for millions of users—especially young people—it felt like a blow to free expression and access to information.
The response was swift. Thousands of Gen Z protesters took to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities, demanding the ban be lifted and calling for action against corruption. The protests quickly escalated.
At least 19 people were killed and over 100 injured in clashes. Among the victims were young activists, doctors, and bystanders. Tear gas even reached hospitals, complicating medical aid.
Only after these tragic events did the government reverse the ban. Platforms like TikTok and Viber remained accessible, but most were blocked until the decision was overturned.
Under public pressure and international criticism, Nepal’s Prime Minister resigned, followed by several ministers citing moral responsibility. Despite the reversal, protests continued.
The UN expressed deep concern. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the use of force and civilian deaths.
The UN emphasized that the rights to peaceful assembly and free expression must be protected, and any digital regulation must align with international human rights standards.
Eurasian Digital Foundation’s Position:
We believe that internet freedom is a fundamental right and must not be held hostage by undemocratic or ineffective policies. The “seven-day ultimatum” was a case study in failed digital governance.
Such measures do not strengthen digital sovereignty—they erode public trust and fuel instability.
That’s why the Eurasian Digital Foundation runs the campaign (shutdown.kz) against internet shutdowns, advocating for digital rights and fair online regulation.
Attempts to restrict expression and access through bans only worsen the problems. Nepal’s lesson is clear: the internet must remain open, free, and accessible to all.
