Nepal has lifted a ban on two dozen social media platforms after violent youth-led protests against the restrictions left at least 29 people dead.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung said on Tuesday the decision was taken at an emergency cabinet meeting, though the government did not regret the earlier ban. “Since protests were being staged using this issue as a pretext, the decision has been taken to reopen social media sites,” he told reporters.

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who resigned amid the unrest, accused global tech firms of defying national regulations. “We had been saying this for one and a half years. We had asked them to get listed. We had asked them to comply with Nepal's laws. It is a matter of respecting our national sovereignty,” Oli said at the briefing.

Thousands of mostly young protesters had poured into the streets of Kathmandu on Monday, rallying against corruption and nepotism as well as the government’s decision to block 26 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Signal, YouTube and X. Officials said the ban was necessary to curb disinformation and criminal activity, but human rights groups condemned it as digital repression.

Despite the lifting of restrictions on Tuesday, unrest continued. On Wednesday, the army deployed patrols in the capital after demonstrators vandalised politicians’ homes, set government buildings ablaze and torched parliament.

Protest leaders distanced themselves from the violence, saying it was carried out by “opportunists.” A nationwide curfew remains in effect until Thursday morning, with the military warning of punishment for those involved in vandalism.

Rights groups said the crackdown had already caused irreparable harm. “Human rights were violated, and tragically, people paid with their lives,” researchers at Access Now said in a statement. “Instead of engaging with people’s legitimate demands to safeguard their rights, the government unleashed violent repression,” they added. 

Human Rights Watch said the social media ban appeared to have little effect as the footage circulating online showed police shooting peaceful protesters. The United Nations urged Nepal to ensure its regulation of online platforms complies with human rights obligations and to respect freedom of assembly.

“We call on the authorities to respect and ensure the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” U.N. Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.

Nepal has a history of restricting internet services. Authorities banned TikTok for nine months in 2023 and imposed a nationwide block on Telegram earlier this year before lifting both measures.