Nepal crisis deepens: Social media ban lifted then why is the GenZ still protesting? All you need to know

“Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media,” chanted thousands of young protesters outside Nepal’s Parliament, waving red and blue national flags. The rally, dubbed the protest of Gen Z, broadly defined as those born between 1995 and 2010, was not only about the government’s sudden clampdown on 26 online platforms. It was also about something deeper: a demand for accountability, opportunity, and freedom.

For Nepal’s digitally native youth, internet freedom is more than entertainment, it is a political lifeline. Global watchdog Freedom House has called it a “pillar of modern democracy,” stressing that no 21st-century democracy can function without a trustworthy online environment where citizens can both access information and express themselves freely.

Yet, governments worldwide are increasingly tightening their grip. Regulations are often introduced in the name of child safety, cybercrime, or fraud prevention, says researcher Vesteinsson. “Unfortunately, a lot of this regulation comes hand in hand with restrictive measures,” he adds.

What triggered the protests?

The immediate trigger for GenZ-led protests was the government’s sudden decision to block access to major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Snapchat, Pinterest, X, and Tencent-owned apps.

Authorities justified the move by citing new regulations requiring platforms to formally register in the country, claiming the step was necessary to curb fake IDs, hate speech, fraud, and other online crimes. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority was directed to enforce the shutdown, with the government saying access would be restored only once the companies complied.

Was it just social media ban?

The ban quickly struck a nerve with young Nepalis, many of whom see social media as not just a tool for communication but also a vital space for education, activism, and livelihood. The restrictions were perceived as heavy-handed and out of touch with the country’s digitally savvy generation, sparking mass demonstrations that soon went beyond internet freedom to broader frustrations over corruption, governance, and shrinking opportunities.

While parts of the law required social media platforms to restrict content tied to child trafficking, human trafficking, and exploitative labor, undeniably vital protections, other provisions went further, barring users from posting anonymously. For critics, this shift was less about safety and more about control.

Against this backdrop, the GenZ protests represented a broader frustration. For young Nepalis, who already face shrinking economic opportunities and a persistent culture of corruption, the social media ban became a flashpoint.

Many Nepalis believe corruption is pervasive, and PM KP Sharma Oli’s government has faced criticism for failing to curb graft or resolve deep-rooted economic problems. For the country’s youth, the protests sparked by the social media ban reflect not just opposition to restrictions online but also broader frustration with unfulfilled promises and stagnant opportunities.