Nepal social media ban sparks protests, dozens injured

Protests erupted in Kathmandu after Nepal’s government blocked access to 26 social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Signal, YouTube, and X—citing disinformation and cybercrime concerns tied to unregistered services; police used rubber bullets, water cannons, and live rounds, prompting curfews and condemnation from rights groups. Officials say only five platforms complied with new registration rules as telecoms confirmed the blocks, which critics warn could harm business and tourism; similar crackdowns were noted by NetBlocks in Turkey and by Russian authorities restricting calls on WhatsApp and Telegram.