Facebook, YouTube, X banned in Nepal: GenZs take over Kathmandu streets - Watch

Thousands of young Nepalis marched through the streets of the capital Kathmandu on Monday, protesting against the government’s decision to ban 26 popular social media platforms.The demonstrations, led largely by Generation Z, reflected both anger over the blackout and wider frustration with what they described as the country’s entrenched corruption.Local media reports suggest that few protesters were injured after police opened fire during demonstrations in New Baneshwar on Monday. Multiple clips from the protest went viral, showing large crowds waving the national flag and singing the anthem before marching toward the parliamentary complex.

Posts suggested police fired tear gas and used water cannons as some demonstrators tried to storm the Parliament gate.

The rally began at 9 am, with students and young professionals gathering in central Kathmandu. Waving national flags, they sang the national anthem before chanting slogans against the restrictions and corruption in public life, news agency AFP reported.Protesters described the ban as a “direct assault on speech, work and connectivity,” saying it has cut off vital tools for communication, news, entertainment and small businesses.

Several participants said the protests went beyond the blackout.“We were triggered by the social media ban, but that is not the only reason we are gathered here. We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal,” said Yujan Rajbhandari, a 24-year-old student.Another demonstrator, 20-year-old student Ikshama Tumrok, said the government’s move reflected an “authoritarian attitude.”

“We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” she told news agency AFP quoted.

Videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the luxury lifestyles of politicians’ children have gone viral on TikTok, one of the few major platforms still operating in Nepal.“There have been movements abroad against corruption, and they (the government) are afraid that might happen here as well,” said protester Bhumika Bharati.

Why were platforms banned?

The blackout, which began Friday, came after the government ordered 26 platforms to be blocked nationwide for failing to register locally. The list includes Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Reddit and several others.The cabinet meeting chaired by Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, gave companies seven days to comply with requirements: register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, appoint a grievance-handling officer, designate a compliance officer, and set up a point of contact in Nepal.While some platforms such as TikTok, Viber, Wetalk and Nimbuzz have registered, and Telegram and Global Diary are in the process of doing so, major global services have yet to initiate the registration process. Officials said access would be restored once platforms complied with Nepali regulations.The move followed a Supreme Court order in September 2024, nearly five years after writ petitions were filed seeking regulation of advertisements and content broadcast via unlicensed social media platforms, OTT apps and browsers. A joint bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shanti Singh Thapa ruled in favour of stricter oversight.