What's happened
Protests erupted in Nepal as demonstrators surrounded Parliament, demanding the government stop social media censorship and corruption. Authorities responded with a curfew and increased restrictions on online platforms, citing efforts to regulate digital spaces amid accusations of censorship and suppression of dissent.
What's behind the headline?
The protests highlight a growing tension between government efforts to regulate online spaces and citizens' rights to free expression. The authorities' use of force and curfews indicate a hardening stance, while the social media registration drive appears aimed at increasing government oversight. This move risks further alienating the public and could lead to more unrest. The government's framing of these laws as necessary for social harmony masks their potential to serve as censorship tools, especially given past bans of platforms like TikTok. The situation underscores the global challenge of balancing regulation with rights, as Nepal joins a broader pattern of tightening controls amid concerns over digital freedoms.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that protesters surrounded the Parliament building, with police retreating and a curfew imposed. They note the chants against social media bans and the registration notices to platforms like TikTok and Viber, which have been allowed to operate after registering. AP News confirms the protests, noting the crowd's demands and the government's response, including the curfew and online restrictions. Both sources emphasize the criticism from rights groups, who see the laws as censorship tools. Al Jazeera adds context about the government's efforts to combat online hate and rumors, with platforms given deadlines to register or face shutdowns. The coverage highlights the tension between regulation and free speech, with critics warning of increased censorship and suppression of dissent, especially as platforms like X challenge government demands in court.
How we got here
Nepal has been tightening social media regulations since 2023, requiring platforms to register and appoint local contacts. The government claims these measures are to combat online hate, rumors, and cybercrime, but critics argue they are tools for censorship and suppressing dissent. Recent protests reflect public frustration over these restrictions and broader concerns about freedom of expression.
Go deeper
Common question
-
How are countries regulating social media and free speech?
Governments worldwide are increasingly implementing rules to regulate social media platforms, citing concerns over online hate, misinformation, and cybercrime. These regulations can impact freedom of expression and online access, raising questions about censorship and digital rights. Below, we explore why countries like Nepal are tightening social media rules, what risks come with censorship, and how these measures affect online freedom across different nations.
-
How Are Countries Changing Their Social Media Laws and Why?
Around the world, governments are tightening their grip on social media platforms, citing concerns over online hate, misinformation, and cybercrime. These changes can impact free speech, privacy, and access to digital services. Curious about what’s happening globally and what it means for you? Here are the key trends and reasons behind these shifts.
-
What Is the Current Major Earthquake Situation in Afghanistan?
Recent earthquakes in Afghanistan have caused widespread devastation, raising urgent questions about the death toll, rescue efforts, and ongoing challenges. If you're wondering how many lives have been affected, what obstacles rescue teams face, and how international aid is making a difference, this page provides clear answers. Keep reading to understand the latest updates on Afghanistan's disaster response and the areas still struggling to recover.
-
Why Is India Increasing Social Media Censorship?
India's government has stepped up efforts to control online content through platforms like Sahyog, raising questions about the reasons behind this crackdown. With nearly 300 content removal demands since October 2024, many wonder what’s driving this surge and how it impacts free speech. Below, we explore the key reasons for India’s increased censorship, the types of content being targeted, and what this means for online expression in the country.
More on these topics
-
Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a country in South Asia. It is mainly in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It is the 49th largest country by population and 93rd largest country by area.
-
Facebook is an American online social media and social networking service based in Menlo Park, California and a flagship service of the namesake company Facebook, Inc.
-
TikTok/Douyin is a Chinese video-sharing social networking service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based Internet technology company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming.