Nepal, Feb. 4 -- The government has approved the withdrawal of the Social Media Operation, Use and Regulation Bill, considered one of the key triggers of the September 8 Gen Z protests that toppled the previous government.

Government spokesperson and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said the cabinet meeting held on Tuesday decided to withdraw the bill from the federal parliament. The proposed law, which sought to regulate digital platforms and impose penalties on users and companies, had become a focal point of public anger and youth protests.

The then government had approved the bill on December 15, 2024 with provisions requiring social media companies to register with authorities and comply with government regulations. Nearly a year lat...