GenZ protests in Nepal continued on Tuesday even after the government lifted ban on social media platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube. The protests on Monday led to the death of at least 18 people, leaving 250 injured.
“Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media,” the crowds demanded, waving national flags.
The district administration imposed an indefinite curfew in the capital and shut down schools, extending the restrictions to two other cities as well.
However, what's interesting is that among the 26 banned apps, TikTok wasn't one of them.
Why was TikTok not banned?
TikTok wasn’t banned this time because it, unlike some other platforms, formally registered in Nepal and continued to operate in compliance with local requirements.
Under the new bill, social media companies must set up a liaison office or appoint a local point of contact, and
TikTok had already agreed to such measures after its earlier ban in 2023.
Back then, the app was blocked for allegedly disrupting “social harmony” and spreading indecent content, but the ban was lifted after TikTok executives pledged to respect Nepali laws, including the 2018 ban on pornography sites.
What's next?
Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli said that an investigation committee would be set up to probe the protests and the report would be submitted in 15 days.
"I would like to assure you that an investigation committee will be formed to investigate and analyze today's entire incident and the damage, its condition and causes, and submit a report within 15 days to recommend steps to be taken to prevent such accidents in the future," he said.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives during today's demonstration. I express my deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their family members in this unthinkable incident. The government will provide appropriate relief to the families of the deceased and free treatment to the injured," he added.
“Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media,” the crowds demanded, waving national flags.
The district administration imposed an indefinite curfew in the capital and shut down schools, extending the restrictions to two other cities as well.
However, what's interesting is that among the 26 banned apps, TikTok wasn't one of them.
Why was TikTok not banned?
TikTok wasn’t banned this time because it, unlike some other platforms, formally registered in Nepal and continued to operate in compliance with local requirements.
Under the new bill, social media companies must set up a liaison office or appoint a local point of contact, and
TikTok had already agreed to such measures after its earlier ban in 2023.
Back then, the app was blocked for allegedly disrupting “social harmony” and spreading indecent content, but the ban was lifted after TikTok executives pledged to respect Nepali laws, including the 2018 ban on pornography sites.
What's next?
Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli said that an investigation committee would be set up to probe the protests and the report would be submitted in 15 days.
"I would like to assure you that an investigation committee will be formed to investigate and analyze today's entire incident and the damage, its condition and causes, and submit a report within 15 days to recommend steps to be taken to prevent such accidents in the future," he said.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives during today's demonstration. I express my deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their family members in this unthinkable incident. The government will provide appropriate relief to the families of the deceased and free treatment to the injured," he added.
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