How It Started
- In early September 2025, the Government of Nepal issued a directive under the “Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080”. It required all social media platforms (both domestic and foreign‐origin) to register with the government, have a local office in Nepal, appoint a local contact person, implement grievance redressal mechanisms, and comply with other regulatory requirements. (News on Air)
- Platforms that failed to meet this requirement by the given deadline (around August 28, 2025, and then a seven-day ultimatum) were to be blocked. (The Economic Times)
- On September 4, 2025, about 26 social media & communication platforms (including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, YouTube, Reddit, and others) were banned because they had not registered. (The Times of India)
This ban acted as a spark: many young people, especially students (often called “Gen Z protests”), saw this move as a suppression of freedom of speech, free expression, and a way for the government to control online dissent. (India Today)
Why It Started (Underlying Causes)
There are several deeper reasons behind why the situation escalated:
Regulatory and Legal Trigger
- The Supreme Court of Nepal in a contempt‐of-court order required social media platforms to be regulated and registered. (The Times of India).
- The government cited concerns over misinformation, fake accounts, hate speech, misuse of platforms, and lack of accountability. (Al Jazeera).
Youth Discontent with Governance
- Many young people are frustrated with persistent corruption, nepotism, lack of transparency, economic inequality, and limited job opportunities. (India Today)
- The online ban was seen not just as a regulatory measure but as a form of censorship and authoritarian overreach. It hit a nerve: being offline in digital age especially for youth felt like being silenced.
Digital Culture & Identity
- Social media is a major part of young people’s lives. It’s how they share, communicate, learn, express identity, organize, debate. Taking access away disrupts daily life and networks.
- Also, because many online platforms are central to education, business, creative work, activism, etc., even the threat of losing access raised serious alarm.
Current Status (As of Mid-September 2025)
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Massive protests: Thousands of students and youth took to the streets in multiple cities including Kathmandu, Itahari etc. Slogans like “Unban social media”, “Speak up against corruption”, “Save the constitution” dominated. (India Today)
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Violence and casualties: Clashes with police/security forces led to deaths (estimates vary; at least 19 killed in some reports), injuries, arrests. Use of tear-gas, water cannons, even live ammunition in some instances. (Al Jazeera)
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The government backed down partially: Social media ban was lifted after the protests and recognition of fallout. The government pledged to form an investigation panel, provide compensation to families of the deceased, and free medical care for the injured. (India Today)
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Political change: The protests placed pressure on leadership. Resignations of certain ministers, or at least the acknowledgment that change is required, have followed. Elections have been scheduled, parliament dissolved, interim prime minister named etc. (Reuters)
Why Social Media Was Banned
These are the reasons given by the government, plus the criticisms and concerns:
Government’s Justifications:
- Platforms failed to register per legal requirements. (The Economic Times)
- To ensure accountability and oversight: require platforms to have a presence in Nepal, handle grievances, comply with local laws. (The Economic Times)
- To combat misuse: fake or anonymous accounts used for spreading misinformation, hate speech, rumor, or for destabilizing content. (Al Jazeera)
Criticisms / Why People Opposed:
- Viewed as censorship and suppression of free speech. Many think it was too heavy-handed, especially given the number of platforms affected and the short compliance window. (Nepali Times)
- The regulations/bans affected ordinary users: students, businesses, families, people dependent on communication via WhatsApp etc. Disruptions in daily life. (The Times of India)
- Concerns about arbitrary use of power, lack of transparency, possible overreach under the name of regulation. (Company Darta Nepal)
Takeaways & What It Means Going Forward
- Nepal’s “Gen Z” protests show how powerful social media is, not just as a tool for expression, but as a rallying point. Even a policy change focused on regulation can become a flashpoint if citizens feel rights are under threat.
- The government’s response (lifting ban, promises of reform) show that protest can work, but also that underlying issues remain: corruption, economic hardship, unemployment, political accountability.
- Regulatory laws for social media will likely be refined; perhaps clearer rules, more transparency, and maybe wider stakeholder engagement to avoid future clashes.