Nepal’s Social Media Crackdown Is a Cautionary Tale for America on Online Freedom

Nepal’s recent shutdown of major social media platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube—triggering deadly protests and at least 19 casualties—should alarm Americans invested in preserving liberty. This Himalayan nation’s government demanded registrations from tech companies and responded to noncompliance with sweeping internet bans that cut tens of millions off vital communication channels. This isn’t an isolated incident; it mirrors a disturbing global trend where governments exploit regulatory frameworks to suppress dissent and control narratives online. Neighboring countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have already followed similar playbooks—curbing digital freedoms while masking their authoritarian measures as responsible governance. When Government...