Global News Politics

Nepal bans social media as Gen Z protests against corruption, triggering political turmoil

author-image
Piyush Singh
New Update
1000382207

As the nation's youth led mass protests, plunging the country into unrest, the government decided to ban Facebook, Instagram and several other social media platforms in the country.

On September 4, 2025, Nepal’s government, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, blocked 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. The move came after the companies failed to comply with the country’s Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080 (2023), which requires platforms to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, appoint local representatives, and establish grievance officers for content-related complaints. Since the firms missed the deadline, access to their services was cut off nationwide.

The government said the move was about accountability, aimed at tackling fake news, fraud, and content that could disturb “social harmony.” But for many Nepalis, it felt like a direct attack on their digital lifeline. Around 90% of Nepal’s 30 million people are online, and more than 20% are between the ages of 16 and 25. For them, social media is not just entertainment but a primary way to connect, do business, and express themselves. Families that depend on remittances from migrant workers abroad also rely heavily on apps like WhatsApp to stay in touch. The ban struck at the heart of everyday life, and public backlash quickly followed.

Also Read: The Bengal Files review: A flawed attempt at rewriting history for an ideological spin!

The ban triggered massive anger, especially among young Nepalis, who saw it as an attempt to silence dissent and tighten government control. This resulted in the streets of Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Dharan, Ghorahi, and Itahari being filled with protesters. Their frustration went far beyond the ban itself. Years of corruption scandals, combined with poor accountability and a sense that leaders were ignoring the youth, added fuel to the fire.

By September 8, the unrest had spiralled into violence. In Kathmandu, demonstrators tried to storm the Parliament complex in New Baneshwor. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and even live rounds. At least 19 people were killed, including 14 in Kathmandu, and more than 300 others were injured. It was Nepal’s deadliest unrest in decades, laying bare a deep generational divide and the growing influence of digital platforms in mobilising dissent. 

The government’s response 

The Oli government was caught off guard by the scale of the unrest. On the evening of September 8, after an emergency cabinet meeting, the government made two big moves: it lifted the social media ban and announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the violence. Prime Minister Oli issued a statement expressing sorrow for the deaths, promising compensation for the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured. But he also defended the ban, blaming “infiltrators” for the violence and insisting the government never intended to block social media permanently.

The damage was done, though. Protesters defied curfews in Kathmandu and other cities, and in a shocking escalation, the homes of Oli and other political leaders were set on fire on September 8. Facing mounting pressure and public fury, Oli announced his resignation, a stunning turn of events that has left Nepal’s political future uncertain. The resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who stepped down citing “moral responsibility” for the violence, added to the sense of a government in crisis.

Why the ban struck a nerve

Nepal’s youth, who make up a huge chunk of the population, rely on social media for organising, sharing ideas, and calling out corruption. Platforms like TikTok (which escaped the ban by registering) became megaphones for dissent, with viral videos exposing scandals and inequality. Free speech advocates warned that the ban wasn’t just about regulation but a thinly veiled attempt to control the narrative and silence critics.

They argued that the ban, combined with a new social media bill still under debate in parliament, risks setting a dangerous precedent. The bill would force platforms to verify user identities and impose steep fines for content considered harmful to the “national interest.” Critics say it mirrors censorship tactics from authoritarian regimes and threatens Nepal’s image as an open society. The government, for its part, insists that regulation is necessary to fight misinformation and cybercrime. Yet its approach of ignoring platforms’ efforts to negotiate and rushing into a blanket ban backfired badly. TikTok’s compliance showed that regulation was possible, but the heavy-handed strategy by the government ended up alienating both tech companies and citizens alike. 

With Prime Minister Oli now stepping down and the ban officially lifted, Nepal stands at a crossroads. Nepal now faces an important moment of reflection. The recent unrest has shown how central digital platforms have become to daily life and public debate, especially for the country’s youth. The challenge ahead will be finding a balance between regulation and free expression in a way that restores trust, protects citizens, and supports Nepal’s democratic aspirations.

Follow us for more such content on@socialketchup

Social media Protests in Nepal Nepal's protests Nepal's ban on social media platforms