Thousands of young Nepalis took to the streets of Kathmandu on Monday, demanding an end to the government’s restrictions on social platforms and voicing frustration against rising corruption. The demonstrations, driven by Generation Z, came days after several major sites, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, were blocked. The ban triggered widespread anger, giving rise to the Nepal social media ban protest.
Demonstrations are right now being held in Nepal with protestors rallying against corruption and the government's recent restriction to social media. #nepal #genzprotest #socialmediaban #corruption #youthprotest pic.twitter.com/hTaZeHikHr
— 7NEWS Australia (@7NewsAustralia) September 8, 2025
Why The Protests Began
Since Friday, 26 unregistered platforms have been inaccessible in Nepal, leaving millions without access to apps they rely on for work, news, and entertainment. Instagram, one of the country’s most popular platforms, also went offline. Protesters began with the national anthem before chanting slogans against censorship and corruption.
One protester, student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24, said, “We were triggered by the social media ban, but this is also about corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.” Another student, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, added that she was protesting against the government’s “authoritarian attitude.”
The Larger Anger Over Corruption
Videos on TikTok, which remains active, have gone viral contrasting the lives of ordinary Nepalis with the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children. Protester Bhumika Bharati said, “There have been movements abroad against corruption, and they are afraid it might happen here.” The Nepal social media ban protest has now become both a fight for digital freedom and against systemic corruption.
Government’s Stand
The cabinet earlier ruled that social media companies must register in Nepal, establish a point of contact, and appoint compliance officers. Officials say the move follows a Supreme Court order and is intended to regulate online platforms. In its Sunday statement, the government insisted it respected freedom of thought and expression.
This is not the first restriction. Telegram was blocked last year over fraud concerns, and TikTok faced a nine-month ban before agreeing to regulations. Whether the government will reconsider the latest decision remains uncertain, but the Nepal social media ban protest shows growing youth resistance.
FAQs
Q: What triggered the Nepal social media ban protest?
A: The protest began after the government blocked 26 platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
Q: What are the protesters demanding in the Nepal social media ban protest?
A: Youth are calling for the lifting of the social media ban and action against corruption.
Q: Is TikTok banned in Nepal right now?
A: No, TikTok remains active, and many videos about the protest have gone viral on the platform.
Q: Has Nepal banned social media before?
A: Yes, Telegram and TikTok faced temporary bans in previous years under different regulations.
