Nepal Repeals Social Media Ban but 19 Youth Have Already Paid the Price

KATHMANDU – Nepal’s government abruptly repealed its contentious Nepal social media ban on Tuesday, ending a six-month prohibition on major platforms like TikTok and X that had drawn global condemnation. The reversal comes after widespread protests, but the human cost of the law remains, as 19 young people convicted under the act are still behind bars.

The government cited the need to “re-evaluate the policy in the current context” as the reason for scrapping the Social Media Regulation Act. The law was initially passed in March 2025, with officials claiming it was necessary to curb misinformation and protect “social harmony.”

Key Takeaways

• Nepal’s government on Tuesday repealed its highly controversial Social Media Regulation Act, which had banned platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) for six months.
• The decision follows sustained domestic protests and intense international criticism from human rights organizations.
• Despite the law being scrapped, 19 young activists who were convicted for violating the ban remain in prison.
• Digital rights advocates are calling the repeal a “hollow victory” and are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the jailed youths.

Government Bows to Pressure, Scraps Controversial Law

The ban was met with immediate and fierce resistance, particularly from Nepal’s youth, who organized street protests and used virtual private networks (VPNs) to defy the restrictions. The crackdown that followed was swift, with dozens arrested for their online activities.

The reversal is seen as a direct result of this domestic pressure, combined with a chorus of international criticism. Organizations like Human Rights Watch (HRW) had condemned the law as a “grave assault on freedom of expression” and a tool to silence dissent.

The “Forgotten 19”: A Price Already Paid

While digital rights advocates have welcomed the repeal, they have immediately shifted focus to the plight of 19 activists, aged between 18 and 25, who were convicted under the now-defunct law. The activists are currently serving sentences of up to three months for organizing online protests and posting critical content.

The government’s repeal announcement made no mention of an amnesty or pardon for those already imprisoned, leaving them in a state of legal limbo.

A “Hollow Victory” Say Rights Groups

Lawyers and human rights groups have vowed to continue their fight. “Repealing the law is a necessary first step, but it is a hollow victory as long as these prisoners of conscience remain in jail,” said Sarita Thapa, a lawyer with the Digital Rights Forum Nepal. “They were convicted under a law that the state itself now admits was flawed. They must be released immediately.”

The situation has drawn renewed attention from groups like Amnesty International, which is now campaigning for the activists’ release.

Digital Freedom in South Asia Under Scrutiny

The episode has put a spotlight on the precarious state of digital freedom across South Asia, where several governments have implemented or threatened similar internet restrictions. Analysts argue that Nepal’s U-turn could serve as a cautionary tale for the region.

The ongoing struggle for digital rights in the country is a key issue covered by local media, including The Kathmandu Post. As Nepal reopens its digital doors, the focus will remain on whether the government will fully correct its course by freeing those who have already paid the price for its policy.

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