Nepal’s Social Media Ban Sparks Deadly Protests, Forces Prime Minister Oli’s Resignation

Nepal plunged into political turmoil as Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli’s government enforced a ban on 26 social media platforms, including major ones like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and LinkedIn, igniting fierce protests across the country. The ban, initiated on September 5, was a response to the platforms’ failure to register with the government following a Supreme Court order to monitor “undesirable content.” The restriction aimed to clamp down on what authorities described as harmful activities and cybercrime, but it backfired dramatically.

Youth-led protests, predominantly composed of Gen Z individuals, erupted in Kathmandu and other cities. The ban struck a nerve with young Nepalese who saw social media as a vital tool for communication, education, business, and keeping ties with relatives abroad. Social media’s sudden blackout was perceived as an attempt to suppress free speech and curb anti-corruption voices, fueling widespread outrage over persistent corruption and stagnant economic conditions.

Mass demonstrations quickly escalated into violent clashes between protesters and police, resulting in at least 19 deaths and more than 100 injuries. Protesters defied an imposed curfew, blocking roads, burning tires, and targeting government properties, including the residences of top officials. The capital faced a shutdown, with Kathmandu’s airport temporarily closed amid the unrest.

Facing mounting pressure and unrest, the government reversed the social media ban within days to ease tensions. However, the damage was done: public trust plummeted, and dissatisfaction spilled over into calls for accountability. Several ministers resigned, followed by Prime Minister Oli himself on September 9. In his resignation letter, Oli expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives and stated his hope that his departure would help restore peace and pave the way for constitutional resolutions amid Nepal’s political crisis.

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The protests also spotlighted the controversial “Nepo Kids” phenomenon in Nepal — a term describing the country’s political elite’s perceived inherited privilege and luxury, contrasting sharply with the struggles of ordinary citizens. Viral social media videos showcasing politicians’ opulent lifestyles amid rampant unemployment and hardship added fuel to the protests grounded in demands for transparency and systemic reform.

Nepal now faces a critical juncture as the nation grapples with its governance challenges, youth disillusionment, and the balance between regulation and freedom of expression in the digital age. The recent upheavals mark one of the most severe political crises in Nepal in decades, underscoring the powerful role social media plays in shaping modern civil resistance and political accountability .