Nepal bans Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter: What's behind the protests in which several people killed

Days after Nepal’s government blocked 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), at least 10 protesters have been killed and 87 injured in Nepal’s capital following protests that erupted on Monday (September 8). Police used rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons to disperse a massive crowd, a report said, adding that the demonstrators demanded an end to the ban on several social media platforms.

According to news agency AFP, the ban on 26 social media platforms left millions of users "angry and confused." As a crowd of young demonstrators swelled in Kathmandu, they pushed into a restricted area near the parliament building. The situation escalated into violence when police baton-charged the protesters. Some demonstrators managed to breach a security wall to enter the parliament premises, prompting a curfew in key areas of the city.

‘Nepal protesters driven by social media ban and corruption’

While the social media ban was the initial spark, many protesters told the news agency that their anger runs deeper.

“We were triggered by the social media ban, but that's not the only reason we are gathered here,” said a 24-year-old student. He and others highlighted institutionalised corruption as the core issue. Another 20-year-old protester expressed a desire for a generational change, stating she was demonstrating against the government's “authoritarian attitude.”

What Nepalese government has to say on ban and protests

In a statement, the government claimed it respects freedom of expression but requires platforms to register and comply with regulations. The recent ban was a direct result of a Supreme Court order issued in September of last year.

Nepal has a history of restricting online platforms; the government previously banned the Telegram messaging app and briefly blocked TikTok before lifting the ban when the company agreed to comply with local regulations.