Nepal’s Social Media Ban Backfires as Politics Moves to a Chat Room

Nepal's government has faced backlash for its recent attempt to ban social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok, amid ongoing political turmoil. The move, intended to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain social stability, has backfired as citizens have found alternative ways to discuss and debate political issues. Many Nepalese have turned to the chat platform Discord, where tens of thousands are engaging in discussions about the country's future. This digital shift has allowed for more open and unfiltered dialogue, circumventing the government's efforts to control the narrative. The article highlights the challenges governments face in regulating and restricting online discourse, as savvy users find innovative ways to work around such measures. This incident reflects the evolving nature of political discourse in the digital age, where the free flow of information and the ability to organize online have become integral to the democratic process.