Nepal’s Social Media Ban Sparks Gen Z Revolution: What Happened And Why
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Nepal’s decision to ban major social media platforms has ignited a wave of protests led by the country’s youth. What began as frustration over blocked apps quickly escalated into mass demonstrations, with thousands of Gen Z protesters taking to the streets of Kathmandu. The clashes have left one dead, dozens injured, and the army deployed as the government struggles to control the situation.
How the Protests Began
Visuals of Nepal Protest (Images: X)
Last Thursday, the government banned major platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, citing their failure to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. By Monday, Kathmandu witnessed its largest youth-led protest in years. Demonstrators stormed towards Parliament, defied barricades and clashed with police.
At least one young protester was killed, 80 others injured, and a curfew was imposed in the capital. Security forces used water cannons and tear gas, while the army was stationed near the residences of the President and Prime Minister.
Which Sites Are Banned?
Users reported error messages such as “Hmm... something went wrong” and “This site can’t be reached” when trying to log in. Platforms including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse and others have been blocked until registration is completed.
Only TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz and Popo Live are registered, while Telegram and Global Diary remain under review.
Visuals of Nepal Protest (Images: X)
The Ministry set a 7-day registration deadline from 28 August. When the deadline passed, none of the major global platforms had submitted applications. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority was instructed to disable unregistered platforms from midnight.
Spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur confirmed: “Any platform completing registration would be restored the same day.”
But the move has disrupted communication for millions, especially the seven million Nepali youth living abroad. “This will directly affect their communication with family and friends at home,” senior journalist Pralhad Rijal said.
Why Youths are Protesting
For many young Nepalis, the ban was the final straw. Frustrations over corruption, authoritarianism, and lack of accountability spilled over into the streets.
“Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media,” chanted protesters waving national flags.
Student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24, said: “We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here. We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.”
Another protester, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, added: “We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation.”
Analysts argue the so-called “Gen Z Revolution” stems from years of dissatisfaction with inequality and corruption. The ban became the tipping point, pushing digital-native youth from their screens onto the streets.
PM Oli’s Defence
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli defended the decision, saying: “Any attempt to undermine the nation can never be tolerated.”
He added: “The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty?”
This is not the first crackdown. In 2023, TikTok was banned for disrupting “social harmony, goodwill and diffusing indecent materials.” It was later restored after compliance with local laws.
Nepal’s sweeping social media ban has not only disrupted digital communication but also ignited a powerful youth movement demanding greater freedom and accountability. While the government frames the move as protecting sovereignty, Gen Z protesters see it as yet another attempt to suppress their voices. The outcome of this standoff may redefine Nepal’s digital and political future.
How the Protests Began
Last Thursday, the government banned major platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, citing their failure to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. By Monday, Kathmandu witnessed its largest youth-led protest in years. Demonstrators stormed towards Parliament, defied barricades and clashed with police.
At least one young protester was killed, 80 others injured, and a curfew was imposed in the capital. Security forces used water cannons and tear gas, while the army was stationed near the residences of the President and Prime Minister.
Which Sites Are Banned?
Users reported error messages such as “Hmm... something went wrong” and “This site can’t be reached” when trying to log in. Platforms including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse and others have been blocked until registration is completed.
Only TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz and Popo Live are registered, while Telegram and Global Diary remain under review.
Why Nepal Banned Social Media
The Ministry set a 7-day registration deadline from 28 August. When the deadline passed, none of the major global platforms had submitted applications. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority was instructed to disable unregistered platforms from midnight.
Spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur confirmed: “Any platform completing registration would be restored the same day.”
But the move has disrupted communication for millions, especially the seven million Nepali youth living abroad. “This will directly affect their communication with family and friends at home,” senior journalist Pralhad Rijal said.
Why Youths are Protesting
For many young Nepalis, the ban was the final straw. Frustrations over corruption, authoritarianism, and lack of accountability spilled over into the streets.
“Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media,” chanted protesters waving national flags.
Student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24, said: “We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here. We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.”
Another protester, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, added: “We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation.”
Analysts argue the so-called “Gen Z Revolution” stems from years of dissatisfaction with inequality and corruption. The ban became the tipping point, pushing digital-native youth from their screens onto the streets.
PM Oli’s Defence
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli defended the decision, saying: “Any attempt to undermine the nation can never be tolerated.”
He added: “The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty?”
This is not the first crackdown. In 2023, TikTok was banned for disrupting “social harmony, goodwill and diffusing indecent materials.” It was later restored after compliance with local laws.
Nepal’s sweeping social media ban has not only disrupted digital communication but also ignited a powerful youth movement demanding greater freedom and accountability. While the government frames the move as protecting sovereignty, Gen Z protesters see it as yet another attempt to suppress their voices. The outcome of this standoff may redefine Nepal’s digital and political future.
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