Kathmandu, Nepal, September 8, 2025: In a dramatic escalation of public unrest, Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, and other major cities were rocked by massive protests led by Generation Z on Monday, September 8, 2025, resulting in six deaths and over 80 injuries. The youth-led demonstrations, dubbed the “Gen Z Revolution,” were sparked by the government’s controversial ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube, and fueled by deep-seated frustrations over systemic corruption, economic inequality, and authoritarian governance.
A Sweeping Social Media Ban Ignites Outrage
The protests stem from a government decision on September 4, 2025, to block unregistered social media platforms that failed to comply with new regulations under the Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2023. The directive, backed by a Supreme Court ruling, required platforms to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT), establish a local office, appoint a grievance officer, and comply with national laws within a seven-day deadline ending September 3, 2025. The ban, affecting platforms that account for roughly 80% of Nepal’s internet traffic, was justified by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s administration as a measure to ensure accountability, curb cybercrime, and secure tax revenue from foreign tech giants. Critics, however, argue it is a pretext to suppress free speech and control dissent.
Banned Social Media and Communication Platforms in Nepal
The following 26 platforms were banned by the Nepali government on September 4, 2025, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT):
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube | |||
| X (formerly Twitter) | Snapchat | Quora | |
| Messenger | Tumblr | ||
| Discord | Signal | Clubhouse | |
| Threads | Rumble | Mi Video | Mi Vike |
| Line | Imo | Jalo | Sol |
| Botim | Hamro Patro* |
Note: Hamro Patro has applied for registration, and its status is under review.
Only five platforms—TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live—are currently registered and remain operational. Two others, Telegram and Global Diary, are in the registration process and may soon be permitted to operate.
The sudden blackout disrupted communication for millions, particularly affecting the 7.5% of Nepal’s 29 million population living abroad who rely on these platforms to stay connected with families. Small businesses, content creators, and online sellers, many of whom depend on social media for their livelihoods, were also hit hard, prompting widespread anger.
From Online Dissent to Street Clashes
What began as online dissent quickly spilled onto the streets, with tens of thousands of Gen Z protesters—born roughly between 1997 and 2012—mobilizing across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Dharan, and Ghorahi. The movement, organized by groups like ‘Hami Nepal,’ gained momentum through registered platforms like TikTok and Viber, as well as banned platforms accessed via VPNs and DNS workarounds. Demonstrators, chanting slogans like “We are the movement. We will fight against corruption,” marched toward Nepal’s federal parliament in New Baneshwor, breaching police barricades and occupying a security building before being dispersed.
The protests turned violent as security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and, in some cases, live ammunition. In Kathmandu, clashes near the parliament complex left six protesters dead and over 80 injured, with two journalists among the casualties. In Damak, protesters burned an effigy of Prime Minister Oli and attempted to storm municipal offices, leading to further violence and one demonstrator being critically injured. The Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a curfew from 12:30 p.m. local time, covering areas around the parliament, as the Nepali Army was deployed to restore order.
A Broader Fight Against Corruption
While the social media ban was the immediate trigger, protesters emphasized that their grievances extend far beyond digital restrictions. “We were triggered by the social media ban, but that is not the only reason we are gathered here,” said Yujan Rajbhandari, a 24-year-old student, speaking to AFP. “We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalized in Nepal.” Another protester, 20-year-old Ikshama Tumrok, decried the government’s “authoritarian attitude,” vowing that her generation would demand change.
The movement has drawn comparisons to youth-led protests in Southeast Asia, with hashtags like #NepoBabies trending online to highlight the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ families, allegedly funded by corrupt practices. Demonstrators accused leaders of siphoning public funds to provide luxurious lives for their children abroad while ordinary Nepalis struggle economically. Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a prominent figure who rose to power through online campaigning, publicly supported the protests, amplifying their message.
Government Defends Ban, Faces Backlash
Prime Minister Oli, addressing a convention of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) on Sunday, defended the ban as a matter of “national dignity” and dismissed concerns about job losses. “I hear of a planned ‘Gen Z rebellion.’ We are not against platforms or social networks, we are against lawlessness, arrogance, and belittling our country,” Oli said, claiming that social media companies had ignored Nepal’s laws for over a year.
However, the government’s stance has drawn sharp criticism. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called the ban “a dangerous precedent for press freedom,” urging its immediate reversal. The Rastriya Swatantra Party and even members of Oli’s own coalition criticized the move as anti-democratic. The Federation of Nepali Journalists staged protests, carrying placards with slogans like “#NoBan” and “The People’s Voice Cannot Be Silenced.”
Economic and Social Impacts
The social media ban has already caused significant economic disruption. Nepal’s telecom providers, including Ncell, warned of severe revenue losses, estimating a Rs5 billion hit based on the nine-month TikTok ban in 2023. Small businesses, which rely heavily on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, have shifted to TikTok and Viber, but many fear long-term losses. The ban also threatens Nepal’s tourism industry and the ability of migrant workers to communicate with families, raising concerns about its broader societal impact.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
