On September 4, 2025, the Government of Nepal imposed a ban on 26 major social media and communication platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Reddit, Snapchat, Signal, and more—after they failed to register under new government regulations requiring social media companies to appoint local grievance officers and comply with content oversight rules. Platforms like TikTok, which complied with registration, were spared the ban.
Triggering Nationwide Youth-Led Protests
The ban, perceived by young Nepalis as a direct assault on free speech and digital freedom, ignited massive protests led predominantly by Generation Z. Thousands gathered in Kathmandu, Mustighar Mandala, and other major cities such as Pokhara, Nepalgunj, and Itahari, demanding the government lift restrictions and address deeper issues of political corruption and nepotism. Dubbed the “Gen Z Revolution,” the protests reflected youth frustration well beyond the social media blackout itself.
Violent Clashes and Severe Crackdowns
Peaceful demonstrations escalated into violent confrontations with security forces. Police deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse crowds, leading to at least 19 deaths and over 347 injuries nationwide. Curfews were imposed in Kathmandu’s key areas, including around the parliament and administrative centers. Over 40 protesters were arrested, and the severity of police action drew widespread condemnation.
Read this: 19 dead, Nepal’ Home Minister resigns as Gen Z protest turns violent
Political Fallout and Cabinet Turmoil
The unrest deepened rifts within Nepal’s ruling coalition. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned citing moral responsibility for the loss of lives. Nepali Congress ministers walked out of cabinet meetings after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli refused to lift the ban. Oli referred to protesters dismissively as “Gen Z troublemakers” and expressed unwavering support for the ban, calling it a matter of national sovereignty and legal compliance.
Read this: TikTok Returns to India After 5 Years in Exile, Website Now Live
Impact and Broader Concerns
The ban has severely disrupted communications, press freedom, and business operations, affecting millions of Nepal’s citizens—especially families relying on social messaging apps to connect with relatives abroad. The outage also hurt Nepal’s tourism sector, which depends heavily on social media marketing. International organizations, including the UN, have expressed concern over the violent crackdown and offered support for peaceful dialogue and adherence to human rights norms.
Legal Ambiguity and Future Outlook
Critics argue the ban is premature and excessive, pointing out that the Social Media Use Regulation Bill, which will formalize such measures, has not yet been passed by parliament. The government maintains the ban is temporary and contingent on registration compliance. However, the youth-driven protests have laid bare deep societal frustrations, making it clear that digital freedoms, governance transparency, and cultural shifts will continue to shape Nepalese politics in the months ahead.
Nepal’s social media blackout and the resulting Gen Z uprising stand as one of the most significant political crises in recent years, highlighting the power and perils of digital connectivity in today’s world.
