Nepal government pulls back controversial social media bill

The Nepal government on Tuesday withdrew the controversial Social Media Bill 2025 , which had been under discussion in Parliament, citing widespread criticism over its restrictive provisions.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal , who also serves as the government spokesperson, announced after a cabinet meeting, “The government has decided to withdraw the Social Media Bill-2025 from the federal parliament.”

The bill, originally registered in the National Assembly on January 28, 2025 , by then-Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung under the administration of deposed Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli , was aimed at regulating social media platforms.

The Social Media Bill 2025 had sought to require platform registration with the government , monitoring of content, and sharing of user data when requested. Critics, however, argued it gave authorities sweeping powers to control online speech and could suppress dissent, sparking widespread opposition. The bill, combined with the ban on 26 social media sites last year, had triggered protests led by Gen Z youths , who demanded the lifting of restrictions and greater accountability in governance.

Even before Parliament could endorse the legislation, the Oli-led government’s social media bans prompted nationwide demonstrations in September 2025. The protests called for freedom online and action against rampant corruption , eventually contributing to Oli’s resignation. While September 8-9 marked critical flashpoints, the unrest spanned several days, with curfews imposed in multiple cities to control the situation.

Observers note that the government seems to have taken the Gen Z protests into account while deciding to withdraw the bill. Having witnessed the scale and intensity of youth mobilization last year , authorities are likely cautious about taking any step that could provoke similar nationwide unrest , especially through renewed social media restrictions. The decision signals that the government is mindful of the political power and digital engagement of Nepal’s young population , and is avoiding actions that could reignite mass protests.

The withdrawal marks a significant move by the current government to address public concerns and restore confidence in digital freedoms.