Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its neighbourhood, Issue: Recent social media fuelled protests in Nepal.
Context:
On 8 September 2025, at least 19 people were killed and many injured in Nepal after law enforcement acted against GenZ protesters, many in school uniforms, demonstrating against the government’s ban on social media platforms.
Key Takeaways:
Ban on Social Media:
- Trigger: Government cited rise in cybercrimes, fake news, and misleading content.
- Legal Basis: Government resorted to court-mandated registration, grievance handling, and content removal requirements to ban social media.
- Banned Platforms: 26 platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, YouTube.
- Platforms Exempted: TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, Poppo Live.
- Government Stance: PM KP Sharma Oli stated it’s not against social media, but platforms must comply with Nepalese laws.
- Platforms can resume operations once they register and meet compliance requirements.
- However, Critics allege the ban curbs self-expression, press freedom, and economic activity, especially for youth and expats.
Legislation & Government Control:
- Oli government working on laws to make certain posts/likes as offense under the law.
- It also requires platforms to delete objectionable content and reveal users posting it.
Gag on GenZ Voices-Causes:
- Underlying Causes: Widespread political corruption and lack of accountability among elites.
- Youth Activism: Before the ban, GenZ used social media to expose corruption, discuss “Nepo Babies” (entrenched privilege), and criticize lavish lifestyles of political families.
- Impact of Ban: Removed platforms for expressing frustration and political dissent, intensifying anger and suspicion among youth.
Political Corruption as key issue in Nepal:
- Immunity Practice: Since 2006, politicians can claim immunity if decisions are labelled “policy decisions” by the cabinet.
- Past Protests: Recently in March 2025 protestors demanded a return to monarchy due to dissatisfaction with the republican system.
Broader Implications:
- Civil Liberties: Social media ban seen as suppression of freedom of expression, especially for youth.
- Youth Mobilisation: GenZ’s unprecedented street protests indicate political awareness and activism.
- Political Accountability: Highlights persistent corruption and elite impunity.
- Economic Impact: Social media essential for tourism and business, especially among young entrepreneurs and expats.
- Governance Challenges: Balancing cyber regulation with citizen rights remains contentious.
Conclusion:
The Nepal GenZ protests reflect the tension between government control and youth expression, aggravated by longstanding corruption and elite impunity. The ban on major social media platforms triggered unprecedented street mobilisations, highlighting challenges of governance, freedom of speech, and youth participation in a rapidly digitalising society.
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