Nepal Social Media Ban: Gen-Z Youth Protests – Live Updates

Kathmandu, Sept 8, 2025 – Nepal’s capital witnessed intense protests on Monday as thousands of young people under the age of 26, commonly referred to as Gen-Z, poured into the streets of New Baneshwar. They were demonstrating against the government’s ban on social media platforms and voicing anger over rising corruption.

The demonstrations escalated into violent clashes when protesters attempted to march towards Parliament, leading the Kathmandu district administration to impose a curfew in and around New Baneshwar to restore order, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Curfew and Police Action

Nepali police fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters who tried to breach the Parliament premises. Authorities also deployed water cannons and batons.

“We have imposed a curfew that will remain in force until 10 p.m. local time (1615 GMT) after protesters turned violent,” said district spokesperson Muktiram Rijal, quoted by Reuters.

Why the Government Banned Social Media

The Oli-led government defended its move, saying that fake IDs on social platforms were being used to spread hate speech, misinformation, fraud, and cybercrimes. Nearly two dozen platforms were asked to officially register in Nepal; those failing to comply were blocked last week.

Protest Slogans and Youth Voices

Thousands of students, many dressed in school and college uniforms, carried the national flag and placards with slogans such as:

“Shut down corruption, not social media”
“Unban social media”
“Youths against corruption”

Police had set up barbed wire barricades to stop them from advancing further.

A “Gen-Z Protest”

The demonstrations have been dubbed the “Gen-Z protest”, as the majority of participants belong to the generation born between 1995 and 2010. Protesters accused leaders of silencing young voices while failing to address corruption.

Social Media Blackout

With nearly 90% of Nepal’s 30 million people using the internet, the sudden shutdown of 26 platforms—including Instagram, WhatsApp, Signal, and WeChat—sparked outrage. TikTok remains operational, and youth groups have been using it to call out politicians, demanding transparency in their income and assets.

Nepal Joins Global Trend of Social Media Control

Nepal’s restrictions come at a time when countries around the world—including the US, EU nations, India, Brazil, China, and Australia—are tightening rules on Big Tech platforms over concerns related to misinformation, privacy, online harm, and national security. Critics warn, however, that such measures threaten free speech.

Prime Minister’s Statement

Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli said he hoped the youth would understand the importance of following the law. While affirming his support for the right to peaceful protest, he emphasized that law and order must be maintained.

🔴 Live Updates (IST):

15:25 – Photos emerge of protestors flooding Kathmandu streets. (ANI)
15:21 – Curfew in New Baneshwar to remain until 10 p.m. local time.
14:47 – Protest dubbed “Gen-Z Protest” as youth dominate the streets. (AP)
14:43 – Nepal latest to tighten rules on social media, joining global trend.
14:41 – Govt says ban targets fake accounts spreading hate and fraud.
14:40 – TikTok remains operational; activists use it to rally support.
14:39 – Protests erupted five days after ban on 26 platforms took effect.