Nepal’s Gen Z Leads Massive Protests Against Social Media Ban and Political Corruption

In early September 2025, Nepal was engulfed in widespread protests led predominantly by Generation Z youth against the government's sudden ban on 26 popular social media platforms. The demonstrations, which began on September 4 after the ban's announcement, rapidly intensified into broader expressions of frustration over systemic political corruption, nepotism, and high youth unemployment.

The government justified the social media suspension by citing noncompliance with new regulatory registration requirements implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. However, many protesters viewed the ban as a blatant attempt to stifle political dissent and restrict free expression.

The movement, largely galvanized by young students and activists in Kathmandu and across Nepal, encountered severe repression. On September 8, clashes between demonstrators and police escalated dramatically: police employed water cannons, tear gas, and ultimately fired live ammunition to disperse crowds surrounding the parliament building. This crackdown resulted in at least 30 deaths and over 1,000 injuries, making it one of the deadliest youth protests in Nepal's recent history.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of unrest with thousands of protesters, many in school uniforms, marching peacefully before violent confrontations erupted. Protesters blocked roads and stormed government buildings, prompting the Nepalese army to impose a curfew and deploy helicopters to evacuate ministers.

Underlying grievances include Nepal's structural economic challenges, with youth unemployment exceeding 20%, compelling many young Nepalese to seek work abroad daily. Resentment also grows towards the so-called 'nepo kids' — children of political leaders reputed to enjoy privileged, luxurious lifestyles while the broader youth population struggles with economic instability.

Following the crackdown, Nepal’s government retracted the social media ban on September 9, but the momentum of the protests persisted due to worsened public distrust and anger. President Ram Chandra Poudel called for peaceful dialogue to deescalate tensions.

Human Rights Watch condemned the police violence, emphasizing the need for a prompt, impartial investigation and accountability for those responsible. The events have raised serious concerns over human rights and freedom of expression in Nepal, with reverberations felt across the South Asian region.