On a humid September afternoon, thousands of young Nepalis flooded the streets of the major cities across the country, demanding the removal of a recent social media ban and waving placards demanding accountability on the rise of ‘nepo kids’ of political leaders, alleging rampant corruption. What began as anger over a ban on Facebook and other major platforms erupted into a nationwide youth rebellion, leaving at least 19 dead, hundreds injured, and the government scrambling to restore order.

This isn’t just about social media—it’s about trust, corruption, and a generation that refuses to stay silent.

Flashpoint: A digital shutdown

The trigger was a government directive under the Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023, requiring all platforms—domestic or foreign—to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT).

When Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X, and others ignored the seven-day deadline, authorities moved in hard.

“Except for the five listed platforms and two in the process, all others will be deactivated inside Nepal. Any platform completing registration will be reopened the same day.”
said Gajendra Kumar Thakur, MoCIT spokesperson.

By midnight Thursday, 26 platforms went dark, including those central to communication, commerce, and education. For Nepal’s digitally dependent Gen-Z, it was the final straw.

Why the streets erupted

Gen-Z’s frustration isn’t just about losing Instagram Reels. It’s about years of corruption, nepotism, and broken promises. A viral online movement—“Nepo Kid”—had exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children while ordinary youth migrate for menial jobs abroad.

“Nepo Kids show off their lifestyle on Instagram and TikTok, but never explain where the money comes from.”
One viral TikTok post said before the ban.

When their digital megaphone was cut off, the youth turned to the streets.

Social media in organising
Ironically, despite the ban, protests were coordinated through VPNs and encrypted apps. Hashtags like #UnbanSocialMedia trended on TikTok (before restrictions), while Reddit threads urged youths to “move from online outrage to real-world action.”

The “Nepo Kid” campaign, which fueled early anger, continues to circulate, highlighting political families’ wealth against widespread unemployment and labor migration. The symbolism resonates deeply with a generation raised amid promises of federalism, prosperity, and transparency—promises they now see as broken.

Day of rage: Sept 8

What began as a peaceful rally in New Baneshwar escalated by midday when protesters pushed past barricades and stormed the Parliament premises. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets—and eventually live fire. Security forces displayed similar actions at protest hotspots across the country.

Journalist Shyam Shrestha of Kantipur Television was hit by a rubber bullet while filming.

“We used minimum force,” a senior police officer claimed.

But the death toll tells another story:

Curfews and crackdowns

Authorities imposed curfews across Kathmandu, later extending them to sensitive zones like Baluwatar, Singha Durbar, Shital Niwas, and even Damak, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s hometown, after protesters hurled stones at his house.

In Butwal and Bhairahawa, CDOs enforced restrictions from 4 pm to 10 pm, banning all gatherings.

Police used live ammunition in multiple locations, prompting the National Human Rights Commission to urge restraint:

“The right to peaceful protest is guaranteed by the constitution and international law. The escalation into excessive force is regrettable.”

Celebrity and public support

Unlike previous movements tied to political parties, this uprising is organic and leaderless—but it has powerful supporters.

Actors Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya expressed solidarity:

“Today’s youth do more than think—they act. They ask why corruption thrives and demand accountability,” wrote Acharya.

Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah declared:

“This rally is clearly a spontaneous movement of Gen-Z, for whom even I may seem old. Their voices must be heard.”

TikTok stars, singers, and film actors joined in, with posts urging discipline and unity.

The bigger picture

Gen-Z grew up with smartphones, global trends, and promises of a federal, prosperous Nepal. For them, digital freedom is personal freedom. Cutting off access feels like silencing an entire generation.

Political scientists warn that the government’s “comply or shut down” approach could backfire, creating a digital black market of VPNs and unregulated apps while alienating an entire demographic.

“This is not just about Facebook. It’s about who gets to control information in a democracy,” says analyst Sushil Manandhar.

Home Minister resigns

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has resigned. He tendered his resignation to Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli during a Cabinet meeting at the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Monday evening.

The cabinet meeting has also initiated the process to lift the social media ban. But the protesters adamantly demand the resignation of the Prime Minister.