KATHMANDU, Nepal — Nepal’s government lifted ban on social media platforms today, a day after violent street protests that left at least 19 people killed. Some of the world’s largest platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube were blocked last week, followed by a massive protest rally in the capital Kathmandu on Monday. Police in Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu opened fire on demonstrators protesting a government attempt to regulate social media. The Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak also resigned late Monday at an emergency Cabinet meeting.

Rallies swept the streets around the Parliament building, which was surrounded by tens of thousands of people angry at authorities who said the companies had failed to register and submit to government oversight.

The gunfire unfolded as the government pursues an attempt to regulate social media with a bill aimed at ensuring the platforms are “properly managed, responsible and accountable.” The bill has been criticized as a tool for censorship and for punishing government opponents who voice protests online. — The Associated Press