Massive protests flared in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, as thousands of young demonstrators—many in school uniforms and identifying as Generation Z—took to the streets against the government’s sweeping ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube. The move followed authorities’ insistence that these platforms register locally—a demand platforms had not met in time.
What began as a digital rights protest quickly turned catastrophic. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and, in some instances, live ammunition to disperse crowds, especially near the Parliament building. Clashes intensified as protesters forced entry into restricted government areas, prompting harsh countermeasures. The unrest resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people and injuries to over 100.
Outraged youths carried placards demanding an end to corruption and restoration of internet access. Slogans like “Unban social media” and “Stop shutting out voices” echoed through the streets. The protests spread beyond Kathmandu to cities like Itahari, where confrontations also turned violent.
In the grip of mounting pressure, the government implemented curfews in key zones and deployed the army to control escalating tensions. On the same day, the Home Minister resigned, taking moral responsibility for the crackdown.
The unrest disrupted daily life—disabling communication, undermining businesses, and isolating communities dependent on online platforms. TikTok and Viber, which complied with the registration rule, continued functioning and served as vital channels for mobilizing protest messages.
Human rights advocates have condemned the violence and called for accountability. The United Nations also demanded transparent investigations into the use of force and urged authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression.
As the country reels from the impact, the Gen Z uprising has sent a clear message: suppressing digital platforms can trigger far deeper societal backlash than anticipated—especially among younger generations who view access not just as communication, but as a fundamental right.