Thousands of young Nepalis marched in Kathmandu on Monday, demanding that the government lift its ban on social media platforms and take stronger action against entrenched corruption.
The demonstrations began after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms on Friday, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, leaving millions of users frustrated. Instagram, one of Nepal’s most popular platforms, was also restricted.
Carrying national flags, the mostly Generation Z protesters opened with the national anthem before chanting against both the ban and what they described as institutionalised corruption.
“We were triggered by the social media ban, but that is not the only reason we are gathered here,” said 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari. “We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.”
Another student, 20-year-old Ikshama Tumrok, criticised the “authoritarian attitude” of the government, adding: “We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation.”
Since the restrictions took effect, TikTok—still available in Nepal—has been flooded with videos comparing the struggles of ordinary citizens with the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children.
“There have been movements abroad against corruption, and they (the government) are afraid that might happen here as well,” protester Bhumika Bharati said.
The government has defended its decision, saying affected platforms were given seven days to register locally, appoint a compliance officer, and establish a grievance mechanism, in line with a Supreme Court ruling.
In a statement on Sunday, officials stressed that Nepal remained committed to protecting freedom of expression while ensuring accountability from digital companies.
Nepal has a history of social media restrictions. Authorities banned Telegram in July over fraud concerns and lifted a nine-month suspension of TikTok in August last year after the platform agreed to meet regulatory conditions.
