Nepal’s Gen Z protests social media ban, calls for end to corruption

Thousands of young Nepalis marched in Kathmandu on Monday, demanding that the government lift its ban on social media platforms and tackle widespread corruption, AFP reported.

At least 9 individuals were reported dead as a result of the protests, according to local media.

Several platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, have been blocked in Nepal since Friday after the government barred 26 unregistered sites, leaving users frustrated and confused. Popular platforms such as Instagram remain widely used for entertainment, news, and business.

Generation Z demonstrators waved national flags and began the protest with the national anthem, later chanting against both the social media restrictions and corruption.

"We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here," student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24, told AFP. "We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal."

Another student, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting against the "authoritarian attitude" of the government. "We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation," she told AFP.

Since the ban, videos highlighting the contrast between the struggles of ordinary Nepalis and the luxurious lifestyles of politicians’ children have gone viral on TikTok, which remains accessible.

"There have been movements abroad against corruption and they (the government) are afraid that might happen here as well," protester Bhumika Bharati said.

The cabinet had last month given affected companies seven days to register in Nepal, establish a local point of contact, and appoint grievance and compliance officers, following a Supreme Court order in September last year.

In a Sunday statement, the government said it respected freedom of thought and expression and was committed to "creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use."

Nepal has previously restricted access to popular online platforms. The government blocked Telegram in July, citing rising online fraud and money laundering, and lifted a nine-month TikTok ban in August last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.

With inputs from AFP