Nepal protests: GenZs revolt against social media ban turns violent - 10 things to know

Thousands of young Nepalis thronged the streets of Kathmandu on Monday, protesting against the government’s move to block 26 popular social media platforms. The demonstrations, marked by violent clashes, left 14 protesters dead and several injured, over rising public anger over the censorship of prominent social media platforms.

Here are the top 10 developments:

• The government blocked 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter) on last Thursday midnight after authorities cited the companies’ failure to comply with a new law regulating social media.
• The cabinet meeting chaired by Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, gave companies seven days to comply with requirements: register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, appoint a grievance-handling officer, designate a compliance officer, and set up a point of contact in Nepal.
• Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli defended the move, saying he would not tolerate the “nation being undermined.” “The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty?” he said on Sunday.
• Among the blocked social media sites are Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, VK, Line, IMO, Zalo, Soul, and Hamro Patro, the Kathmandu Post reported.
• TikTok, Viber and three other platforms that have complied with registration requirements continue to operate without interruption.
• Rights groups and activists have slammed the legislation as a tool to silence dissent, arguing it undermines freedom of expression and violates fundamental rights.
• Authorities imposed a curfew around Parliament, the government secretariat, and the presidential house, declaring key areas of Kathmandu off-limits to prevent further escalation.
• Demonstrators, largely by Generation Z and young professionals, denounced the blackout as a “direct assault on speech, work and connectivity.” They stressed that small businesses, news dissemination, and everyday communication have been severely disrupted.
• Rallies began around 9 am, with thousands waving national flags, singing the national anthem, and chanting slogans against corruption and censorship in central Kathmandu.
• Protesters breached barricades and forced riot police to retreat near Parliament. Security forces responded with water cannons and tear gas but were eventually cornered inside the complex.
• Police opened fire in New Baneshwar, killing one protester and injuring several others. The victim died while undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital, officials confirmed. Dozens of injured demonstrators are receiving care in Civil Hospital, Everest Hospital, and nearby facilities. Activist groups, including Hami Nepal, have set up first-aid camps at protest hotspots.

In November 2023, Nepal banned the video-sharing platform TikTok, citing its role in disturbing “social harmony, goodwill and spreading indecent content.” The restriction was lifted the following year after TikTok assured authorities it would comply with local regulations.

Also read | Facebook, YouTube, X banned in Nepal: GenZs take over Kathmandu streets - Watch