 |
| Protests outside Parliament in Kathmandu, Nepal, Monday, September 8, 2025. Credit: AP/Niranjan Shrestha |
In Nepal, thousands of young protesters, mostly students, have taken to the streets of Kathmandu and other major cities to denounce the government’s decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, Reddit, and LinkedIn.
The situation escalated rapidly. According to local authorities, at least 19 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in violent clashes between protesters and police forces.
Government Defends “Legal Compliance”
The ban was justified by the Nepalese government, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, as a measure to enforce a Supreme Court ruling. Officials claim that:
- Platforms failed to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology;
- No local representatives or official contact points were designated.
However, for millions of Nepalese, this move is seen as restrictive and authoritarian, especially in a country where Facebook has around 13.5 million users and Instagram counts roughly 3.6 million.
Protesters Demand Change and Greater Freedom
For many demonstrators, the social media ban is only the trigger of a much deeper frustration. Protesters accuse the government of:
- Institutionalized corruption;
- Ignoring youth concerns and job opportunities;
- Increasingly authoritarian policies.
One student protester told local reporters:
“The government doesn’t care about our future. Banning social media is like silencing our voices.”
Heavy Police Crackdown and Army Deployment
Security forces responded with rubber bullets and tear gas grenades to disperse the crowds. The Nepalese army has also been deployed in New Baneshwor, one of the protest hotspots.
Authorities have imposed curfews in several sensitive zones, including Baneshwor and Singhadurbar, to prevent further unrest. Officials also warned that armed groups may have infiltrated the protests, raising fears of increased violence.
A History of Digital Restrictions
This is not the first time Nepal has imposed restrictions on social platforms. TikTok was previously banned last year, though the government lifted the restriction in August 2025.
Authorities insist the new ban is intended to protect citizens from online fraud while preserving freedom of expression. However, critics argue that the policy deepens the divide between the country’s digitally active youth and an out-of-touch government.
0 Comments