Nepal's government has lifted a ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), following widespread youth-led protests that turned violent and resulted in multiple fatalities. The ban, initially imposed on September 4, 2025, was a response to social media platforms failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
The protests, largely driven by Nepal's "Gen Z" demographic, were ignited by the government's directive but were fueled by deeper public frustration over corruption, nepotism, and the perceived ostentatious display of wealth by political elites' families. Social media had become a critical platform for expressing this discontent, with trends like "Nepo Kid" highlighting societal disparities. The ban was widely seen as an infringement on free expression and a tool to stifle dissent, especially given the nearly 50% social media penetration in the country.
On September 8, 2025, thousands of young people took to the streets in Kathmandu and other cities, demanding accountability and the restoration of online platforms. The demonstrations escalated into violent confrontations, with protesters attempting to breach the Parliament building. Security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, leading to at least 19 confirmed deaths and over 100 injuries. In the aftermath, Home Affairs Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, citing moral responsibility, and Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli also stepped down, promising an investigation into the unrest.
International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the use of lethal force and called for a thorough, independent investigation into the deaths, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the protection of civil liberties. These events mark a significant moment of societal reflection in Nepal, highlighting the demands of a new generation for transparency and a fundamental shift in governance, amplified through digital and street activism.