Explained: What Led To Nepal's Social Media Ban That Is Driving The 'Gen-Z Protests' Against KP Sharma Oli's Government

Nepal has been rocked by one of its biggest youth-led uprisings in years after the government banned dozens of major social media platforms last week. What began as frustration over blocked apps has spiralled into a sweeping so-called ‘Gen Z revolution’.

Why did Nepal ban social media?

On 28 August, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology set a one-week deadline for platforms to register with authorities.

When global companies including Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X, Reddit and LinkedIn failed to comply, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority shut them down from midnight on Thursday (4 September).

Only a handful—TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz and Popo Live were registered, while Telegram and Global Diary are still under review.

Government spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur said that unregistered platforms would remain blocked, but any platform completing registration would be restored the same day.

Officials argue that the measure is necessary to safeguard national sovereignty and enforce accountability.

How are young people responding?

For Nepal’s digital-native generation, the blackout has hit hard. Despite phone and internet restrictions, activists quickly mobilised through TikTok and other channels.

By Monday (8 September), tens of thousands of protesters had gathered in Kathmandu, clashing with police as they attempted to march on Parliament. One young demonstrator was killed, dozens were injured, and the army was deployed to secure key government sites.

Analysts say the anger is not just about access to apps but stems from deeper disillusionment with corruption, inequality and lack of accountability. The ban, they argue, became the final spark.

What is the government’s position?

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli defended the move, insisting that any attempt to undermine the nation can never be tolerated and that the government would always stand against anomalies and arrogance, and never accept any act that weakens the nation.

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