Protests Erupt in Nepal Over Social Media Ban

Massive protests have rocked Nepal after the government blocked access to major social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X for failing to register with authorities. What began as youth-led demonstrations quickly escalated into violent confrontations with police in Kathmandu, leaving at least 13 dead and dozens more injured, according to local media. Protesters, many of them students, marched through the capital carrying placards that read “Unban social media” and “Shut down corruption, not the internet.”

The rallies, largely organized by a group calling itself Generation Z, turned chaotic when crowds breached security zones near parliament. Police responded with tear gas, batons, water cannons, and rubber bullets. "We have imposed a curfew which will remain in force until 10 p.m. local time (16:15 GMT) to bring the situation under control after protesters began to turn violent," said a district office spokesperson. In some areas, protesters threw projectiles and tore down barricades. An ambulance was set on fire, and several people were rushed to hospitals.

Authorities defended the ban as a necessary step to curb misinformation, hate speech, and online fraud, insisting they were not outlawing social media but enforcing compliance with Nepali law. However, critics say the move is a cover for clamping down on dissent. “The government’s actions are starting to feel authoritarian,” said one protester outside parliament. Despite the shutdown, some users are still accessing platforms using VPNs.

The unrest has spread to cities beyond Kathmandu, including Pokhara and Biratnagar. With 90% of the population online, the sudden blackout has hit not just news and communication, but small businesses and daily life. Meanwhile, the government has expanded curfews to key areas including the prime minister’s residence, as anger over corruption and censorship continues to boil over.