Last week, the government of Nepal decided to restrict access to social media platforms, implementing a tactic often utilized by neighboring governments to maintain tighter control. However, what unfolded was an unexpected wave of discontent, marking the most significant public unrest in decades as citizens expressed their frustration over issues like corruption and economic disparity. By Tuesday morning, the government reversed its decision, restoring access to all 26 social media platforms that had previously been blocked, including major ones like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and WeChat.
Nayana Prakash, a research fellow at Chatham House in London who specializes in technology's impact in South Asia, noted that the abruptness of the ban caught many off guard. Censorship of the internet is more often seen in countries like India and Pakistan, making this situation quite unprecedented for Nepal. While some countries are either banning TikTok or considering it, Nepal's approach was even broader, extending to platforms such as LinkedIn and Reddit. This severely impacted individuals’ opportunities to seek jobs or network beyond their national borders, showcasing a heavy-handed approach not typically seen, even in comparison to India.
5 Comments
Bermudez
It's surprising to see Nepal following in the footsteps of countries known for their human rights abuses. We deserve better than this!
Karamba
Social media is vital for connection and community-building. Let's not allow the government to rob us of these platforms.
Raphael
As someone who lives in Nepal, I appreciate the government's attempt to manage the unrest. It was a tough call, but necessary.
Leonardo
I am glad the government acted quickly—even if it was initially unpopular. It shows they are actively trying to manage the situations.
Michelangelo
While I don’t support censorship long-term, this was a needed move to calm tensions quickly. Now, let’s move forward.